Golfers playing the Kapalua Plantation Course from the tips enjoy Maui’s longest course, and the only active PGA Tour venue here. The USGA Course Rating is Maui’s 2nd highest. Bogey golfers playing from the regular ‘whites’ will find this to be on a par with the Royal course in terms of what they can expect to shoot. Men who play the forward tees (ladies too) will find it is Maui’s toughest course. Effective playing length is far shorter than the measured yardage as massive fairways, extreme changes in elevations, and gusty trade winds work in unison to either shorted the way the course plays, or make it impossible, depending on whether they are Konas. Thus, nature, roll and the contours of the holes funnel tee shots into slots shave length. Roughs are short. No major doglegs and lie/stance is usually level (when you are where you belong). Topography is sweeping, rolling hills and the greens are big undulating targets. Tough hole positions can add strokes quickly because golfers can easily find themselves above the hole or short-sided. Putting is often across long expanses, but greens roll true, and hold well. Fairway bunkers are massive and reminiscent of a Scottish links. Fear factor is high for most first-timers, but just chill, grip, and rip it’s a blast.