Hawai‘i Island, Hawaii – 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. 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.
“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.
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.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Situated 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 that captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions. The all-new luxury lifestyle resort from Auberge Resorts Collection defines a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii following a resort-wide re-imagination and renovation which debuted in January 2020. Nowhere in the Hawaiian archipelago is the land more powerful, sacred or alive than this storied and natural place of wonder. Guests are wowed by the transformational experiences, enriching cultural immersion, unrivalled amenities and curated moments. The resort boasts contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private residences, oceanfront dining at the iconic CanoeHouse, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness haven, Kainalu Ocean Activities, Living Culture program and an interactive Holoholo Kids Club. For more information on Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection please visit www.aubergeresorts.com/maunalani .
About Troon
Mauna Lani Golf is professionally managed by Troon. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 585-plus locations around the globe, including managing 630-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 490-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 40-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Indigo Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. Troon-affiliated properties include Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kauai; Champion Hills in Hendersonville, North Carolina; Ocean Club in Paradise Island, Bahamas; and Vattanac Golf Resort in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
