Golf Course Review: The Plantation Course at Kapalua, Lahaina, Hawaii

 KAPALUA PLANTATION COURSE

Lahaina, HI

September 29, 2022


OVERVIEW

YEAR OPENED: 1992

ARCHITECT: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw

# OF HOLES: 18

PAR: 73

TYPE OF GRASS: Celebration Bermuda

LOCATION: Lahaina, HI

FACILITY TYPE: Resort


The Plantation Course at Kapalua in western Maui, Hawaii, is easily one of the most beautiful golf courses I’ve ever played. As if Maui wasn’t already beautiful enough, the Plantation Course at Kapalua capitalizes on the dramatic landscape and offers a unique golfing experience you’ll never forget.


There are hundreds of feet of dramatic elevation changes as the course is built on the side of an ancient volcano. With views of the pacific on every hole and dramatic use of the land and natural ravines and waste areas, there’s nothing like it I’ve ever experienced and I’m willing to bet you haven’t either.


One of the greatest things about golf is that no two courses are the same. Even if holes may be similar, the uniqueness of the land is what makes each hole one of a kind. At the Plantation Course, you have 18 of the most unique holes you will ever play, offering a fair yet challenging round. And with 8 tee boxes to choose from, everyone can have a great time.





COURSE CONDITIONS RATINGS

FAIRWAYS: 4.5

GREENS: 4.5

BUNKERS: 4

PRACTICE FACILITIES: 3.5**

SCENERY: 5

LAYOUT: 5

*Scores based on 5 point rating system

**This is the score for the driving range and practice green at the plantation course. It is not a representation of the Kapalua Learning Center since it is located off-site from the plantation course across the street at the Bay Course.


As expected from a Tour venue, the conditions at The Plantation Course were in top shape. What struck me most about the course is how vast and expansive it is. It sits on over 350 acres and sprawls unlike anything else I’ve ever played. That said, it may be wide, but that doesn’t mean you can spray it everywhere.


What Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw did so well on this property is they let the natural land shine. The reason the fairways and greens are so big is because of the dramatic slopes and contours. It’s not uncommon to have your drives release 30-100 yards or for your approach shots into greens to release 20-50 yards. For anyone who has played real links golf or traveled to the UK to play, this will feel familiar, however, the dramatic elevation changes keep this property quite unique.


The only underwhelming part of the property was the practice facilities. Across the street at the Bay Course (the sister course to the plantation) is where the Kapalua learning center and practice facilities are located. The actual range and practice green at the plantation course is enough to get you warmed up and dialed in for the day but isn’t necessarily a world-class practice facility. I say that mainly because of the length of the range. Being a shorter range, it’s difficult to practice woods because of the likelihood of hitting the ball through the range into the back trees. And while the practice putting green near the 1st tee is large and offers great views, I didn’t see a practice bunker which is nice to hit a few shots out of especially before playing a new course.


As far as the scenery and layout of the course go, they are second to none. It’s rare to have so many holes with pristine ocean views, and on clear days, the mighty Molokai (one of the other Hawaiian Islands) looms on the horizon. And when you consider that everything is elevated on the Plantation Course, your views span dozens of miles into the ocean.





ACCESSIBILITY

COURSE DIFFICULTY: 4

WALKABILITY: 5

PACE OF PLAY: 4.5 hours


This is NOT a course you want to walk. Even the professionals each year during the Sentry Tournament of Champions are often shuttled between holes to help get everyone around. It’s not uncommon to drive great distances, often uphill, between holes. Even the drive from the 1st tee to the driving range can take nearly 3-5 minutes and goes up the side of the mountain.


So while you may not be getting as many steps in as you normally would if you’re an avid walker, what you get in return are breathtaking views and amazing tee shots, often to sprawling and downhill fairways with amazing contours that leave you on the edge of your seat.


The pace of play was fair at 4.5 hours yet, to be honest, time slipped away. I could’ve spent 10 hours playing out there and would still want more. With breathtaking views on every hole and perfect tropical paradise weather nearly year-round, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy the day.





SUMMARY

OVERALL RATING: 4.33


The staff was friendly and helpful, relaxed and hospitable. The restaurant was churning out great food. And the pro shop was stocked full of everything you’d want from a destination resort.


Overall, the Plantation Course should be on every avid golfer's bucket list. I cannot stress enough the uniqueness of the course. There is nothing else like it and is something everyone should experience. Whether you’re just in town on holiday, or you just won on the PGA tour and are getting ready to head there in January, it’s a place all players can feel welcome and have a great time.




MOVE BETTER - PLAY BETTER

COACH BLAINE ⛳🏌️‍♂️


For more, visit www.TourShotGolf.com

 
Location: Lahaina, HI, USA

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