Kohala Coast, Hawai‘i (June 15, 2023) – Both of Mauna Lani Golf’s golf courses moved up in Golfweek’s recently released ‘Best Courses You Can Play,’ state-by-state rankings, with the North Course moving to No. 7 in Hawaii (from No. 8), and the South Course jumping up to No. 12 (from 14). Mauna Lani is the only resort facility on Hawaii Island with both courses ranked within the top 15 in the state.
Every year, Golfweek’s team of course 850 raters surveys more than 3,600 courses – grading each nominated course on the basis of Golfweek’s 10 strict standards of evaluation. Collectively, these knowledgeable raters have turned in more than 75,000 votes to compile Golfweek’s Best Courses lists. Ballots submitted by Golfweek raters during their visits over the prior year compiled the current rankings of the ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ in each state.
“It’s a true honor to continue to see both of these special golf courses move up in the Hawaii rankings,” stated Ross Birch, general manager, Mauna Lani Golf & Tennis. “Mahalo as they say to Golfweek, the Golfweek raters and our amazing staff of professionals, agronomy team and operations team who contribute to a ‘Best in Hawaii’ culture here at Mauna Lani, each and every day.”
Mauna Lani is no stranger to honors from Golfweek. Earlier this year, the picturesque golf resort’s North and South courses were also featured in Golfweek’s 2023 ranking of the ‘Top 200 Best Resort Courses in the U.S.’ found in the recently published “Ultimate Guide of Best Courses.” Golfweek raters had the North course ranked T103 and the South course T144, in the listing of best resort courses.
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 rolling fairways and through 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. 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.
For more information on Mauna Lani Golf, visit www.maunalanigolf.com or call 808-885-6655.
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. Recently the Mauna Lani South Course as the ‘No. 1 Golf Course in the U.S.’ by users of GolfPass, the digital platform that brings golfers together with the best golf courses, instruction, entertainment, travel information. GolfPass also recognized Mauna Lani’s South Course as the No. 1 golf course in Hawaii and the North Course the No. 11 in the Aloha State. The rankings were determined from more than 315,000 ratings and reviews in 2022
About Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Situated along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast on sacred land marked by royal fishponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani -- meaning “mountain reaching heaven” -- is an inspiring spiritual haven defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii. Among Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels in the World as well as Top 15 Beach Resorts in the U.S., Mauna Lani underwent a complete reimagination in January of 2020. Contemporary accommodations, oceanfront dining at CanoeHouse, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness haven including an on-site goop store, Kainalu sports and Living Culture programs, and an interactive Holoholo Kids Crew set the tone for enriching and transformational experiences. For more information on Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection please visit www.aubergeresorts.com/maunalani.
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