Posted on: Thursday, October 11, 2001

Hawai'i course of the week

Advertiser Staff

KAPALUA GOLF CLUB/PLANTATION

No. 18 I 663 yards, par 5

The Plantation Course, home of champions, completes the triple crown of superb golf experiences at Kapalua. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the course perfectly blends with the environment and showcases the grand scale of Kapalua, with features such as massive bunkers, sweeping slopes, dramatic contouring and panoramic views.

This course is home to the Mercedes Championships, a nationally televised PGA Tour event. Course characteristics include large-scale terrain features, deep valleys, expansive greens and fairways, 95 bunkers and no water hazards.

The Plantation boasts six "signature holes," but the course was formulated around the 18th, an extremely long downhill, downwind par-5. Despite its length, this hole is made reachable in two powerful blows by the assisting winds and slope. The fairway and green are large and receptive, yet difficult to judge, owing to the vast panorama and scale of the background.

The 18th is probably the most scenic, spectacular and representative of all the holes at the Plantation Course. Its scale and drama are uncommon and its challenge is within reason, while its surrounding beauty is unparalleled. The 663-yard 18th is the longest hole on the PGA Tour.

• Facts, figures: (73, 6,547) i 2000 Plantation Club Dr., Kapalua, 96761. 669-8877 (1-877-KAPALUA toll-free outside of Maui). Head Pro: David Pritchett. Resort. Green fees (cart mandatory): Kama'aina $67, resort guest $125, non-resident $200. Twilight (after 2 p.m.) $80. Replay $50.