Getting To Know: Manele Course

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Scott Ashworth who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
High above the crashing surf of Hulopo'e Bay, Manele Golf Course is an outstanding course that lives up to its storied challenge. A Jack Nicklaus Signature course, established in 1993, Manele is built on lava outcroppings, featuring three cliff-top holes that use the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard. The course rolls over dramatic, unspoiled natural terrain, and every hole promises majestic ocean views. Five tees allow the course to be enjoyed by all levels of golfers while presenting a formidable test to the best players. Tee shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise. In winter months, the course's fairways are among the best vantage points for spectacular sightings of whales making their annual migration.

Tees, fairways and greens are SeaIsle 2000 Paspalum.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Manele is the No. 2-ranked resort course in all of Hawaii. Spectacular views on every hole. A most memorable experience.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Many approaches around the greens at Manele are mowed at a low height. For this shot, it's best to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible, and use a utility wood.

For example on No. 6, a par 5 with a big green, the approach funnels back, 5 to 10 feet off the front of the green. Golfers will often make a better chip with the utility club than a pitching wedge to get the ball rolling smoothly on the tight lies to the hole.


Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i has earned the highest ranking for golf resorts, the Platinum Award by GOLF magazine. The resort's Manele Golf Course is ranked No. 4 among all courses in Hawai'i (No. 2 among resort courses) and is one of the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" in the country.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
We are blessed at Manele Golf Course with absolutely stunning golf holes that have amazing ocean views.

Our famous par-3 12th hole is a prime example: Set atop the steep, rugged cliffs, it is of the most beautiful holes in the world. The tee shot is a full carry across a cove - the sound of crashing waves 150 feet below - to the green that sits atop the cliff on the other side.

In addition to its fame as one of the most beautiful holes in the world, No. 12 is also where Bill Gates was married.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
No. 5: The apex of the course is this 433-yard par 4, which affords simply spectacular vistas. Maui and Kaho'olawe appear touchable and, on a clear day, even the Big Island of Hawaii is visible. Drive to the left of a collecting fairway that slopes toward the sea. Careful club selection is a must as big hitters may drive it through the fairway. The long second shot drops 60 feet to the green below.

and ...

No. 13: This 302-yard par 4 provides a great vantage point to see humpback whales during the winter and year-round spinner dolphins. Accuracy, rather than length from the tee guides you to hit at the directional bunker through the fairway. A long tee shot slightly left of this target could find the front of the green, but a hungry greenside bunker feeds on balls hit too far left.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
VIEWS restaurant at the course are amazing!!!

Makai Salad --Lobster, Scallop, Shrimp, Big Island Greens, Mango, Papaya Avocado, Tomato, Lilikoi Dressing

Kapiha'a Breeze -- Jameson, Mango, Papaya, Lilikoi, Mint, Soda, Li Hing Mui

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,039
Slope: 135
Rating: 73.7

More Information
Manele Course
One Manele Bay Road
Lanai Cit , Hawaii, 96763
(808) 565-2225
www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/services_and_amenities/golf/manele_golf_course/