Sunday, June 17, 2001
[HAWAII'S SIGNATURE HOLES]
Kapalua is tough KAPALUA >> If you're looking for a few signature holes to put on layaway for Christmas, keep Kapalua's three golf courses in mind.
to beat
The par-4 No. 7 hole at its
Village Course measures
367-yards, and Marty Keiter
rates it No. 1 in beautyBy Paul Arnett
parnett@starbulletin.comKnown as the Bay, Plantation and Village courses, these 54 holes are a holiday treat any time of year for those who like to lug the sticks.
A century ago, the Cameron family's love for this part of the island played a key role in the development of these championship courses that offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the West Maui Mountains and the breathtaking backdrop of the island of Molokai.
"For its sheer beauty, it's tough to beat," offered director of golf Marty Keiter. "Each hole on all three courses has its own special challenge for the golfer. You really can't lose playing any of them because these are three of the more enjoyable courses around."
It's no wonder three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin is willing to wear the signature maroon butterfly on his sleeve as the touring professional. Not only is the scenery straight out of a postcard from the edge of the world, this place is home to a variety of birds, including the Amakihi, Spotted Dove and Japanese White Eye.
A month ago, those were practically the only birdies the prep golfers saw during the boys state championship tournament played on the Village Course. They learned in a hurry that swinging away from the blue tees wasn't a typical weekend round on the local municipal course.
When asked which of the Village Course's 18 would carry the signature hole, Keiter had to stop and think for a moment before settling on the seventh. This par-4, 367-yard hole is as far away from the clubhouse as any.
What you notice after driving your golf cart seemingly miles away from anywhere is how quiet it is on the seventh tee. Pineapple fields stretch to the horizon as the tradewinds whip by.
Located straight down a narrow fairway that's closely guarded by stately Cook pine trees is a small green. If you spray your drive up here, start planning for a snow man. This is no time for a hook or fade.
A straight, well-struck drive must carry 200 yards to make it to the fairway.
Don't slice if you're a righty because if you don't find the woods, you will likely land in the lake that's about 135 yards long. It runs up the right side of the fairway, but shouldn't come into play if you strike it well.
"If you can hit a drive 250 yards or more, you have a nice approach shot into the green," Keiter said.
"The pine trees guard the first part of the fairway and then the lake takes over on the right. On the left side about 250 yards off the tee is a large tree that comes into play if you aren't careful."The fairway is about 90 yards wide from that tree, but narrows quickly 35 yards past that point. If you're a big Bertha off the tee, the beautiful lake that eventually guards the front of the green can come into play.
The green is shaped like a rounded triangle. It's 32 yards from top to bottom and is guarded by a big sand trap on the right and trees all around.
The hole is rated the ninth-most difficult from the championship tees, but for Keiter, it's No. 1 for beauty.
"That grove of pine trees is beautiful, but can be tough if you don't hit it straight," Keiter said. "I love it up there because you have the Pacific Ocean to look at from an elevated tee and pineapple fields all around. It's what I call our signature hole for the Village Course."