The islands of Hawaii have more than gorgeous beaches, volcanoes, meltingpot culture and breathtaking trails. Throughout the islands, you can also find dramatic fairways and beautiful greens. Golf courses are abundant!

One such place that I had the pleasure to visit as a guest recently was Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach on the west side of Oahu. What an amazing day!

I grew up playing a lot of golf. Although seasonal, once school summer break came around, you would find me on the golf course or driving range almost every day. Who needed summer camp when you could spend the day with friends hitting golf balls. However, as I became a parent, there just wasn’t enough time to hit the golf course on a regular basis. Nowadays, I usually only play when someone asks me to join them. Why would I say no, anyway?

So last week, a friend asked me to join him at Hoakalei Country Club. I’ve heard of this course before. It’s the golf course that Ernie Els designed. It’s fairly new and known as the longest course in Hawaii.

Although people tried to wreck my nerves by saying it was the longest course and that it has 113 bunkers, it wouldn’t stop me from playing. Every sport I perform, I do for fun. I’m not competitive….it’s a social event. So no sweat going in, and actually no sweat going out. It was challenging, but it’s truly the most breathtaking golf course I’ve ever played. I had so much fun! Yes, it was long and the greens were very fast. But it was so much fun! Surprisingly, I only hit one of the 113 bunkers and only lost one ball in the water hazards. The fairways and greens are so well manicured….heck, the rough was more like a fairway on lesser maintained courses.

If you have a chance to play Hoakalei – don’t hesitate!! The rumor is that the LPGA will play here next year. Can’t wait!

Cheers!