This golf course is in my top five of all time (and I mean anywhere!). There are so many unique and challenging holes, and the views are flat out unbelievable! One such hole is No. 17, a par 4, at 444-yds…. Big dogleg right with a 200-plus-yard-carry over the ocean; the more of the dogleg you want to cut off, the more of the ocean you need to carry. Safest bet is to putt your ball down the cart path to the other side (otherwise you will be standing on this tee box all day long…or until you run out of balls!).
For scratch golfers the challenge of the Manele Golf Course comes into play when the forced carries over the ocean on the 12th and 17th holes make your knuckles white. If those holes don’t get you, the killer views will. Despite its length, the roll is more than ample here given the many elevation changes, and how the design makes use of winds that are gusty and often stronger as the day warms up. Because the holes here don’t run parallel like on more crowded venues, fairway targets seem to get smaller as visually it seems like the bail-out zones are no mas. Jack just gives you a lot of ocean, kiawe, and lava to hunt in for your ball when you go astray. In truth, most of the fairways are wide and manageable targets. Roughs are cut short and allow for recovery. Two out of three sharp doglegs actually play to a draw, and the greens are big targets with bunkers that allow for tough hole placements. The topography is very hilly for a seaside course, so be prepared for a ride. The greens hold and are not too steep in undulation, but grainy.
Part of the Four Seasons Lanai Manele Bay Hotel, the Manele Golf Course facility includes a pro shop, practice range with putting green, and luxurious lockerooms. Expeditions Ferry provides regular round-trip access to the golf course including special package rates.
