Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest island. Which is why it has one of its best golf courses. Makai Golf Club is a Kauai north shore icon, perched above legendary Hanalei Bay on the island’s stunning Princeville area, delivering one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking golf experiences. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece (his first solo design in 1971, renovated in 2010, winds through native woodlands, serene freshwater lakes, and dramatic coastline, with six epic oceanfront holes showcasing Mount Makana (“Bali Hai”) and Pacific vistas. It’s pure aloha golf: lush Seashore Paspalum turf, trade winds, and scenery that ranks among the world’s most stunning settings.
Quick Facts
- One championship 18-hole course: (Makai) + a fun Woods 9-hole regulation layout + practice facility
- Coastal drama: Six oceanfront holes (three front, three back), elevation play, strategic bunkers, and panoramic views of Hanalei Bay
- Year-round play: Mild tropical weather (70s-80s°F), but best in shoulder seasons to dodge rain/winds; dynamic pricing for deals
- Premium access: Public/resort daily-fee; greens fees $300-$375 peak (twilight/resort discounts available); often ranked Top 100 public in America (Golf Digest), Top 3 playable in Hawaii (Golfweek), and Top 5 scenic globally (National Geographic Traveler)
- Immaculate conditions: Post-renovation gem with six tee options for all levels (par-72, up to 7,223 yards)
The island of Kauai has awesome activities across the entire island from incredible hikes, amazing beaches, and world class dining. The golf is peak, and the vibes are otherworldly.
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: High-drama rounds with ocean carries and risk-reward holes, post-golf Mai Tais or fresh poke, sunset views, and easy pairing with Kauai hikes, beaches, or north shore vibes
- Families: Scenic, playable layout (forward tees forgiving); nearby resorts with pools, spas, beaches; non-golfers enjoy Hanalei Bay snorkeling, shopping, or rainforest drives
Top Standout Courses
Makai Course (18 holes, Robert Trent Jones Jr.)
The star, RTJ Jr.’s first solo design, reborn in 2010 with stunning updates. Features six unforgettable oceanfront holes, lakeside drama, native woodlands, and massive views of Hanalei Bay and mountains. Challenging yet strategic (hard par, easy bogey feel from right tees), with risk-reward par-5s, short/long par-4s, and epic par-3s, pure bucket-list beauty and challenge.
Woods Course (9-hole regulation)
Relaxed complement, a fun, regulation nine winding through native woodlands on Kauai’s north shore. Great for quick rounds, warm-ups, families, or a casual second nine while soaking in the tropical setting.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Luxury eco-chic with direct packages (e.g., “Golf with a View” including rounds, carts, rentals, transport)
- Makai Club Resort : Hillside condos/suites alongside the course; cozy, golf-vacation focused with amenities
- Nearby Princeville options: (St. Regis legacy, Cliffs at Princeville), Beach access, spas, pools; many offer bundled golf deals
- Packages often include unlimited practice, GPS carts, priority tees, and extras like premium rentals or tours
All Key Makai Golf Highlights at a Glance
- Makai Course (18 holes, Top 100 public, oceanfront icon)
- Woods Course (9 holes, relaxed woodland fun)
- Practice facility (driving range, putting greens)
- Plus nearby Kauai north shore gems (if extending the trip)
Pro Tips
- Book tee times & stay-and-play packages early via makaigolf.com or partners (1hotels.com/hanalei-bay, Troon), dynamic pricing rewards advance bookings; check resort concierges for discounts
- Fly into Lihue (LIH) 1-hour scenic drive to Princeville (rent a car for flexibility)
- Pair golf with Kauai north shore musts: Hanalei Bay beaches, taro fields, fresh seafood, shave ice, Na Pali Coast boat tours, or hiking
- Play mornings to beat trade winds/rain; use forward tees for enjoyment; embrace the views, this is as scenic as golf gets
Time to tee it up overlooking Hanalei Bay, chase birdies in paradise, and reset with unmatched Hawaiian aloha. Princeville Makai Golf Club is calling your escape.
North Dakota is a hard land. But harsh winds, little forest, rolling hills, have made the land an epic place for golf. The Links of North Dakota is a true hidden gem and one of America’s most authentic links-style experiences. Perched on windswept bluffs high above massive Lake Sakakawea in remote northwestern North Dakota Designed by Stephen Kay with a minimalist approach (moving very little earth to preserve the natural sandy terrain), it delivers pure links golf: firm-and-fast conditions, wide fairways, massive bunkers, undulating prairie, fickle winds, and panoramic lake views from nearly every hole. Raw, strategic, ground-game golf in a stunning, isolated setting.
Quick Facts
- One championship 18-hole course: (par-72, up to 7,092 yards) bentgrass greens/fairways/tees for true links play
- Authentic links style: Firm/fast turf, 45-yard-wide fairways (50% larger than average), over 85 bunkers, native prairie, rolling dunes-like terrain, and constant wind
- Seasonal play: Typically May to October; peak summer/fall for best weather (60s-80s°F) and prime firm conditions
- Affordable excellence: Often ranked #1 in North Dakota (Golfweek/Golf Digest), Top 100 public nationally, and 2nd most affordable on some Top 100 lists
- Remote luxury: Public daily-fee with limited on-site cabins for stay-and-play; worth the drive for pure golf immersion
During the Great Dakota Boom, North Dakota saw massive population growth. Many of the new inhabitants were from Russia who thought the land reminded them of home. Then the Scottish came in and actually made it home by establishing epic links style golf courses. Viva la Scots!
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Destination-style rounds with wind adding strategy and fun, post-golf stories around the clubhouse, friendly matches, and that “middle of nowhere” adventure feel, pair with nearby Bakken area eats or road-trip vibes
- Families: Scenic beauty and open space for all; more forgiving wide fairways suit varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy Lake Sakakawea boating/fishing or prairie exploration
Top Standout Course
The Links Course (Stephen Kay design)
The sole star, a minimalist masterpiece opened in 1995, celebrated as one of the purest American links experiences. Wide, generous fairways encourage bold drives, but huge bunkers, undulations, and wind demand creative ground game and smart positioning. Stunning Lake Sakakawea vistas from bluffs, dramatic elevation, native grasses, and no artificial water, just nature’s challenges. Frequently #1 in North Dakota (Golfweek/Golf Digest), Top 100 public acclaim, and praised for value, conditioning, and authenticity.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- On-site cabins: Limited one- and two-bedroom options right on property for true stay-and-play immersion; book for convenience and views
- Nearby Williston/Ray lodging (hotels, etc.) for more options
- Packages focus on green fees, cabin rentals, and tee times, contact clubhouse for custom group/outings deals; no massive resort amenities, keeping it golf-pure
All Key The Links of North Dakota Golf Highlights at a Glance
- The Links Course (18 holes, authentic links masterpiece)
- Plus practice areas, pro shop, and clubhouse with lake overlooks
- Nearby tie-ins: Triple Golf Challenge card (with Hawktree & Bully Pulpit for multi-course value)
Pro Tips
- Book tee times and cabin stay-and-play early via thelinksofnorthdakota.com or contact pro shop (limited availability in peak season)
- Fly into Williston (XWA) for closest access (30-45 min drive); or Minot/ Bismarck for alternatives
- Pair golf with North Dakota adventures: Lake Sakakawea boating/fishing, prairie hikes, local steakhouses, or Bakken energy vibes
- Embrace the wind (play low shots!); use forward tees if needed; bring extra balls for bunkers; caddies or local knowledge help navigate strategy
Time to experience pure links golf on the prairie bluffs, battle the wind, and reset in one of America’s most underrated destinations. The Links of North Dakota is calling your escape.
