Hawai‘i Island, Hawaii (July 28, 2020) – Mauna Lani Golf’s two golf courses climbed in Golfweek’s new ranking of “Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii.” Mauna Lani’s North Course moved up five spots – from No. 13 to No. 8 – while the South Course debuted at No. 15 after being unranked in Golfweek’s 2019 rankings.
Mauna Lani’s North Course, a Flint, Cain and Nelson design, was built on an ancient lava bed. Overlaying the rugged brown pahoehoe lava flow, the North Course features a superb layout for shot makers navigating through lava on the rolling fairways and kiawe forests. A 230-acre protected archeological district lies on the northern edge of the North Course, while feral goats roam the course, cropping the grass and providing a unique neutral hazard. The par-3 17th is the signature hole on the North Course as a series of elevated tees form a natural amphitheater with the green at the base of a lava bowl.
The South Course, a Homer Flint, Raymond Cain and Robin Nelson design, was built on the 16th century Kaniku lava flow snaking through stark, rugged a‘a lava featuring vibrant contrast with manicured lush green fairways and blue ocean. A pair of par 3s – the 7th and 15th holes – are Mauna Lani South’s signature holes and are two of the most photographed golf holes in the world. The South Course was home to the Senior Skins Game from 1990 to 2000.
“Since August 2017, when Troon began managing the golf and agronomic operations here at Mauna Lani, tremendous attention has been given to course conditions and providing guests with an outstanding golf experience,” said Chris Noda, director of golf, Mauna Lani Golf. “It’s exciting and gratifying to see our teams’ efforts being recognized by Golfweek.”
Golfweek annually publishes its ranking of the “Best Courses You Can Play, State-by-State,” “Best Private Courses,” the “Top 200 Classic” and “Top 200 Modern” courses. Among the criteria used by Golfweek's panel of course raters include:
· Ease and intimacy of routing - The extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner. · Variety and memorability of par 3s, 4s and 5s - Different clubs hit; extent to which the angles of play create interesting and varied playing options; and extent to which holes offer variety of options from the tee and on the second shot. · Basic quality of conditioning - Variety of playing textures; extent of turf coverage; consistency and quality of bunker sand. · Walk in the park test - Degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on. For more information on Mauna Lani Golf, visit www.maunalanigolf.com.
About Mauna Lani Golf
Since opening in 1981, the Mauna Lani golf courses have collected numerous “best courses you can play” awards from Golfweek, Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. Mauna Lani’s award-winning South Course formerly hosted the prestigious Hawaii State Open and was the site of the Senior Skins Game from 1990 to 2000, hosting many of golf’s greats, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriquez, and Gary Player.
About Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Redefining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection debuted on January 15, 2020. Ideally located on 32 expansive oceanfront acres, marked by ancient royal fishing ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, and bordered by alluring beaches, Mauna Lani – meaning “mountain reaching heaven,” is an inspiring spiritual haven that captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions, yet seamlessly blends a modern tomorrow. Nowhere in the Hawaiian archipelago is the land more powerful, more sacred, more alive, than this storied and natural place of wonder.
Mauna Lani boasts 333 contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private bungalow residences, six extraordinary restaurants and lounges, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness haven, and interactive Holoholo Kids Crew - all matched by Auberge’s intuitive and gracious service. Transformational experiences, enriching cultural immersion, unrivalled amenities, and curated moments – await guests at Mauna Lani. This is all centered around the piko – an infinite circle, which reflects the area’s distinct eternal spirit, anchored by Hawaii’s five great mountains. From this singular locale, the mountains of Hualālai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala and Maui’s Haleakalā are all visible in the distance. It is here, at the piko, Mauna Lani intrinsically links the people, the culture, and the land, to a deeply woven sense of place rooted in extraordinary core values and experiences – where friendships are fostered, families reconnect, and curiosities unfold. For more information on Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection please visit www.aubergeresorts.com/maunalani.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 440-plus locations around the globe, including managing 475-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 475-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 43 states and 33 countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Gamble Sands in Brewster, Washington; The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Bristol, Virginia; Kapalua Golf in Maui, Hawaii; Lofoten Links in Gimsoysand, Norway; and The Els Club Dubai in United Arab Emirates. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com