Unpredictable coastal winds can make the Fazio course challenging. Photo / Supplied
Unpredictable coastal winds can make the Fazio course challenging. Photo / Supplied
James Henderson packs his clubs and hopes to beat his handicap on some of Hawaii's world-class golf courses.
Standing wet underfoot, sunk deep into the golden sand with knees bent and backside out, golfing in Hawaii delights and dismays in equal measure.
In striking the pose of a rookie surfer, marooned helplessly in a fairway bunker, thoughts of a new Hawaii emerged, one that beckons for chasers of the little white ball.
Offering a viable alternative for those not enamoured by the crushing white waves that surround the island state, golf in Hawaii is challenging, at times perplexing, but always mesmerising - such is the jaw-dropping beauty of America's 51st state.
In boarding the Hawaiian Airlines flight from Auckland to Honolulu, however, many fail to check-in their trusty clubs; unaware of the golfing paradise that awaits only eight hours of airtime away.
Why? Because the golfing holiday layer cake lies much deeper than destination.
But with an 11.55pm departure allowing for a favourable overnight rest, using the Extra Comfort premium economy seats can ensure a refreshing arrival and help loosen up the golfing limbs before tee time. Coupled with a manageable time difference and a baggage allowance of two 32kg bags, having a golf-friendly airline departing New Zealand changes the golfing picture for enthusiasts seeking new challenges overseas.
But beaming smiles and countless Alohas aside, how does Hawaii stack up from tee to green?
Nestled within Turtle Bay Resort's 8km of beachfront, golf in Hawaii, simply put, fuses untouched utopia with the modern luxuries of today.
Overlooking some of the world's most challenging surf on Oahu's fabled North Shore, two legends of golf - Arnold Palmer and George Fazio - have boldly chosen to leave their lasting mark on the glistening coast. Meandering among traditional Hawaiian palms while skirting the idyllic beaches, the Fazio Course forgives and forgets, yet through incorporating a seaside links style, packs a punch when required. Seen as the pushover course of the resort by locals, sleep on Fazio at your peril, with the unpredictable coastal winds and toughened finishing stretch capable of humiliating even the most accomplished amateur golfer.
Despite a few conditioning issues around bunkers, an attack-minded approach to the short Par 5s help balance out the tougher Par 3 holes, which demand respect but can be exploited.
The Palmer course sits within dense wetlands and contoured tree-lined fairways. Photo / Supplied
Through incorporating a choice of five tees, Fazio seldom discriminates on ability. Yet Hawaiian folk believe the challenges of small raised greens and deep bunkers help provide the perfect sparring partner in the build up to the Palmer experience.
Taking the game inland away from the surf, the Palmer course sits within dense wetlands and contoured tree-lined fairways, leading up to striking ocean views from the penultimate hole.
Set among a 40ha wildlife preserve, water hazards and changing winds create front nine challenges from tee to fairway, allowing for a few extra clubs to help neutralise the tropical conditions.
The forest of ironwood helps block the elements after the turn, but in offering a taste of Scottish links set among Hawaiian habitat, Palmer is designed to inspire the soul.
Although it will never be mentioned alongside St Andrews, Royal County Down or Muirfield as a quintessential coastal course, Palmer has dragged Hawaiian golf, by the scruff of the collar, to another level of richness.
Seen as the golfing playground for world leaders such as Barack Obama and John Key, the Aloha State is no longer lurking in the golfing shadows.
But with over 70 golf courses on offer, and all wider travel concerns seemingly adhered to, Hawaii is on course to become the golfing destination of choice for New Zealanders.
