Makai Golf Course Renovations

The Makai golf course originally opened in 1971 featuring lakes, woodlands, and great views of the Kauai coastline. Robert Trent Jones Jr., who originally designed Makai, also oversaw the new multi-million dollar renovation. The project included the reconfiguration of greens, reshaping of bunkers, cart-path work, and upgrading the practice facility. More importantly, the course got new Seashore Paspalum on tees, fairways, and greens. The fine-bladed, saltwater-tolerant grass thrives on coastal golf courses, and provides a spectacular playing surfaces for golfers of all skill levels.

The course also received new pure-white silica bunker sand and an additional 300 yards in length, bringing the par 72 to more than 7,200 yards. There are now four sets of tees and new tee boxes, giving players more options. In addition, Jones added new wrinkles near the greens to create more challenges. The practice facility at Makai Golf Club has also been improved to include two large practice tees, a practice fairway bunker, seven target greens with bunkers, a teaching tee, and a short game practice complex.

The signature 7th hole on the Makai Course now plays to 213 yards from the back tees. It consists of a challenging tee shot over scenic cliffs, onto to a green which is surrounded by brilliant white bunkers, and surreal views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. In addition to the course changes, the old clubhouse was demolished with plans to rebuild within a couple years.

Troon Golf has been selected to manage the renowned Makai Golf Club at The St. Regis Princeville Resort, and to celebrate the reopening, the resort is offering an “Endless Golf Package” for travel between Jan. 30 and July 1 2010. It includes unlimited golf for two at Makai Golf Club with a minimum stay of five nights required at the St. Regis Princeville Resort. It also includes Callaway rental clubs for two. Rates begin at $610 for one room per night.