HAWAI‘I ISLAND, Hawai’i (Feb. 4, 2021) – Mauna Lani Golf’s two golf courses continued to climb in Golfweek’s newest ranking of the “Top 200 Best Resort Courses in the U.S.” found in the recently published “Ultimate Guide of Best Courses” for 2021.
Mauna Lani’s North Course moved up nine spots – from No. 118 to No. 109 – while the South Course moved up six spots – from No. 196 to No. 189.
Every year, Golfweek’s elite team of course raters, which currently boasts more than 850 evaluators, 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.
“To have both courses, right here at Mauna Lani, ranked among the ‘Top 200 Best Resort Courses’ in the country is a true honor,” said Chris Noda, director of golf, Mauna Lani Golf.
“We are honored to not only be included, but also see both courses progress upward in the ranking. I know our entire team is focused on creating ‘best’ experiences and this recognition by Golfweek reaffirm our teams commitment.”
Mauna Lani’s North Course, a Flint, Cain and Nelson design, was built on an ancient lava bed. Overlaying the rugged brown pahoehoelava 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 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.
