Hawaii is the ultimate golf vacation destination. It’s a combination of Hawaii's year-round summer climate, pampering world-class resorts, and more than 80 world-class golf courses on six uniquely different and beautiful islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big Island.
There are no bigger fans of golf in Hawaii than those who do it for a living. A recent survey by Golf World found that PGA TOUR professionals ranked Hawaii as their favorite place to visit – and with good reason.
Eight of Golf Magazine's top 25 golf resorts in America are located in Hawaii – no other state has more than two. Many of golf’s most renowned architects – including giants like Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr., Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman – have utilized Hawaii’s dramatic cliffs, sterling beaches, lava fields, and rolling hills to design award-winning courses.
No wonder the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour begin and end their seasons in the islands with six professional tournaments. Each January, while much of America shivers through the winter chill, Hawai'i serves as a month-long host to tee off professional golf. Appropriately, it’s referred to as the “Aloha Season”.
The PGA TOUR season begins with the Mercedes Championships in early January on Maui followed the next week by the Sony Open in Hawaii on Oahu.
“I love coming here. Two weeks in Hawaii is great,” said two-time U.S. Open champion Ernie Els.
The Champions Tour for golf professionals age 50 and over follows in successive weeks with the MasterCard Championship on Hawaii's Big Island the Turtle Bay Championship on Oahu, and the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game on Maui.
In November it all wraps up on Kauai with the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, matching the winners of the PGA TOUR's four major championships.
All golfers appreciate the modern infrastructure of the resorts and golf courses. In the past 15 years alone, 40 new courses have opened throughout the 50th State. Accommodations surrounding these magnificent settings range from luxurious resorts and moderate hotels, to family-friendly condominiums and quaint bed-and-breakfasts.
Every day’s an ideal day for golf in the islands – especially in winter – and when the game is done, there are Hawaii's vacation charms and countless activities to enjoy.
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