Kauai, HI (SportsNetwork.com) - FACTS AND STATS: Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1987, 1990), Renovation by Jones Jr. (January 2011-March 2012). Year Opened: November 1987 and August 1990. Location: Kauai, Hawaii. Slope: 140. Rating: 76.2. Par: 72. Yardage: 7,378.
Hole-by-Hole:
1 - Par 4 448 Yds 10 - Par 5 588 Yds
2 - Par 5 597 Yds 11 - Par 3 187 Yds
3 - Par 3 192 Yds 12 - Par 4 390 Yds
4 - Par 5 554 Yds 13 - Par 4 432 Yds
5 - Par 4 471 Yds 14 - Par 3 211 Yds
6 - Par 4 428 Yds 15 - Par 5 576 Yds
7 - Par 3 207 Yds 16 - Par 4 375 Yds
8 - Par 4 460 Yds 17 - Par 4 443 Yds
9 - Par 4 363 Yds 18 - Par 4 455 Yds
Par 36 3,721 Yds Par 36 3,657 Yds
Awards Won: Rated #22 - Golf Digest - America's 100 greatest public (2013-14), #2 by Golf.com - Best Public Courses in Hawaii (2014), #4 by Golf Digest - Best Courses in Hawaii (2013-14), Gold Medal winner - Golf Magazine - Premier Golf Resort (2012), #2 by GolfWeek - Best Courses you can play in Hawaii (2008-12), #20 by GolfWeek - America's Best 100 Resort Courses (2012), America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses - Golf Digest (2009-12), Five Star rating - Golf Digest - Best Places to Play, Ranked #1 by Golf Digest - Hawaii's Best Courses (2005-06).
Website: princeville.com.
HISTORY: Although the golf course only dates back to 1987, the historical significance of the Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club is paramount to Hawaii. You see, the course is named after Prince Albert Kamehameha, the only son of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, dating back to the 19th century.
Born in 1858, Prince Albert was considered the last line of the family dynasty and his birth was celebrated throughout the Hawaiian Islands. He was the first son to be born to a reigning monarch of Hawaii in 20 years, but, unfortunately, he would be the last.
Named after the Prince of Wales, Prince Albert died just three months after his fourth birthday. An excerpt from a Honolulu newspaper, circa 1862, read, "Born on the 20th of May, 1858, his Royal Highness had attained 4 years, 3 months and 7 days at his death. Lovely in his appearance, with delicately formed features and bright, intelligent, meditative eyes, he early developed those amiable qualities of the mind which made him the idolized love of his parents, the hope of the nation." The King and Queen were devastated, so much so that just one year following his son's passing, the King died.
The relevance of the history of the land is that the Prince Course is royalty in the Hawaiian Islands. This is a venue that many will strive to achieve and few, if any, will attain.
Robert Trent Jones Jr., the son of famed course architect Robert Trent Jones, was the mastermind behind the design of this magnificent layout.
Jones II has crafted over 270 courses around the world in more than 40 countries on six continents, but it was his work on the island of Kauai where he put his name on the map.
After several years of honing his craft with his father, Bobby left his dad's firm and founded Robert Trent Jones II golf course architects. Known as the father of environmental golf course design, Jones II has designed some of the world's finest layouts, including the site of the 2015 U.S. Open Championship at Chambers Bay in Washington.
Jones constructed his first solo effort just next door to The Prince, the 27 holes of the Makai Golf Club. In fact, of the nine courses on the island, Jones has designed four, but it's his work on the Prince that sets this course apart from the rest.
The Prince Course is an exotic ride through 350 acres of rolling terrain, featuring enormous elevation changes and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Hihimanu mountain peak. You'll be awestruck with the many signature holes on the Prince.
As the years went by, the course had grown quite difficult, not to mention thick with vegetation. It's not called the "Garden Isle" for nothing.
In any event, the closing of the golf course in the beginning of 2011 was crucial to the success and revitalization of the Prince Course.
"Our firm implemented a wide-ranging refreshment of The Prince," said Jones, "that will return the golf course to its original pristine condition and its stature as the best course in Hawaii - essentially, we've given The Prince the royal treatment that it deserves."
Jones could have easily rested on his laurels at The Prince, but that would have been the easy way. From top to bottom, changes were made, starting with the complete reconstruction of the putting greens with SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum turf and sub-surface material to better serve the Hawaiian climate.
In addition, bunkers were added and remodeled. "We have carefully redrafted the bunkers to improve drainage, playability and strategic value while introducing some new tees for added shot strategy and variety," Jones added.
To stay up-to-date with modern technology, Jones added new tees on three, five and 13, but the biggest adjustment might have been tree removal and clearing, as this was accomplished on nearly every hole throughout the property. The project also included some fairway adjustments. "Fairway mowing patterns have been widened dramatically to promote a more enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels," Jones said.
"This revitalization makes the course more flexible for a wider range of players while still providing championship-caliber challenges for more seasoned golfers," Jones continued. "We've completed some reshaping that will help canny players use the slopes and ground features to their advantage, as we intended in our original design."
When the course reopened in March 2012 after the multi-million dollar refreshment, the positive reviews poured in. Jones was particularly pleased with his handiwork. "We are very excited about the improvements at the course that will further elevate the Prince's continual position in America's Top 100 golf courses."
"It's such a great layout, very much a timeless layout and extremely unique," added PGA general manager T.J. Baggett of the Prince Course. "It's really one of the most unique golf courses you'll ever play."
REVIEW: Most courses open play with a relatively benign opening hole, but the Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club is not most courses. This downhill par-4 stretches to 448 yards from the elevated tee and features thick brush down the right side and trees flanking the left. The fairway angles to the right, so you can play down that avenue, but do not miss right, otherwise you're taking a drop. Your approach, most likely with a mid-iron, now must cross a creek and marsh toward the green, which runs slightly from back to front. The putting surface is quite long but narrow with run-offs on both sides. Now that's a starting hole.
Following a hole without sand, the second features plenty of the fluffy stuff, not to mention it's the longest hole on the course, a whopping 597 yards. Here, the key is the tee shot, as you must play short of the crossing ravine and the two bunkers down the right, roughly 300 yards from the tee. Hardly reachable in two, your second shot is played uphill toward a fairly wide landing area. However, the closer you climb toward the green is where the sand on either side of the fairway comes into play. The putting surface, which sits well above the fairway, runs hard from back to front with a tier toward the back quadrant. Bail out to the right if you must, as a deep greenside bunker left is treacherous.
The difficult trend continues with the par-3 third, a slightly uphill one- shotter that reaches just under 200 yards in length. Three bunkers protect the putting surface, which features plenty of slope. Miss short of the green, and a false-front will repel your approach down the fairway. It's hard to believe that this hole is rated the easiest on the course ... certainly not on my scorecard!
Number 4 is a visually stunning par-5 that wraps around a lake to the right toward the ocean. With Cook pines framing the hole, the beauty can be reached in two, but not without risk. Depending upon which tees you play, you'll need to avoid the water down the right and sand on the left, but with a successful tee ball, you never know. Your approach is next, and that can be tricky, as a large fairway bunker down the left tightens the landing area and with the water on the right, you need to be spot on. Finally, the difficulty of the putting surface might be the hardest aspect of the hole, as the two-tiered green is 38 paces in length. Let's not forget that missing this green to the right might propel your ball down the slope and into the lake. Bailing out left is the other option, but two traps will deter that thought process.
You've played four holes and only the first ranked in the top 10 of the most difficult on the course. That changes dramatically when you reach the fifth tee. At 471 yards long, the fifth is the longest par-4 on the course, as it doglegs hard to the right. Although the fairway was softened after the recent renovation, this hole requires two solid plays to reach the green. Playing slightly downhill off the tee, bunkers on either side of the rolling landing area will keep you honest. In addition, a marshy area down the right, just past the trap must be avoided. Your approach to the very long green is a smidge uphill, so check pin placement and take the correct stick. At 43 paces, the putting surface is hard to gauge and the deep pot bunker, both short and left, will give you plenty of angst. Good luck!
The sixth plays downhill, not only toward the green but to the mighty Pacific Ocean. The view is sensational, but one must focus on this straightforward par-4. The key here is the tee ball, as the fairway features two deep bunkers down the right and thick rough left, and the corridor narrows the further down you take it. The smart play is to lay back short of the trouble. Yes, it will leave a longer second, but with the slope of the hole, you'll be able to compensate for the sensible choice. The green is fairly long and narrow with deep traps on either side. Rising from front to back, try to keep the ball below the hole for your best shot at birdie. A bogey is not the worst thing in the world, especially with the waves crashing below.
As good as the first six holes were, the seventh is stupendous. A massive par-3 of over 200 yards, this gem is all carry over a thick vegetation ravine with the ocean roaring to your left. Another massive putting surface, rectangular in shape is 41 paces in length, so club selection is critical. Four strategically placed bunkers guard this dynamic green. A bail out to the right is quite common. According to RTJ II's website, "The seventh hole has been described as a Hawaiian version of No. 16 at Cypress Point: It plays 205 yards dead into the wind, with crashing ocean surf stretching beyond Anini Beach along the entire left side."
The most difficult hole on the opening nine is the long, par-4 eighth. Climbing from tee to green, the fairway has been widened to the left of the fairway bunkers, giving the appearance of a massive landing area. Yes and no, as the two bunkers gain plenty of attention as you survey your options. The right side is the best play because this will open up your approach to the green, just from a longer position. With the Hihimanu Ridge in the rear, you'll need a long iron or fairway metal to reach the putting surface in regulation. A miss right will find sand, while left of the two-tiered green is the best miss. Either way, you'll be under plenty of pressure to make par.
Number 9 is a chance to get a shot back from earlier struggles in the round. Just 364 yards from the tips, this par-4 can be attacked easily with a fairway metal off the tee. This will set up a short wedge to a fairly long and narrow green. Avoiding the quartet of bunkers in the landing area is of utmost importance. A slight draw off the right is the play, as the fairway slants to the left. The tiered green can be tricky to putt, especially with a back-left pin location, which will bring in the deep horseshoe-shaped bunker.
The 10th is a wonderful, risk-reward par-5, although from the back tees the chances of getting home in two are slim at 588 yards. Having said that, it's a great hole, as it doglegs sharply to the left. Your tee shot plays slightly uphill to a generous, rolling fairway, with sand left and right. Now the fun begins, as the hole swings to the left and a big decision comes into play. Cut the dogleg and cross over the ravine or play out to the right over trees to a fairway that sits well below the fairway. The carry over the ravine is well over 200 yards, depending upon how close you drove down the left. That's all carry to the green. The smart play is toward the right, where the fairway opens up, leaving just a small wedge to the very accessible green. Bunkers do tighten the landing area, but you should be able to negotiate the shot. The putting surface is wide and only 26 paces in depth, slightly elevated and features many undulating sections. The good news, when you look back, you see the Pacific Ocean. There has to be some solace in that!
The shortest par-3 on the course, No. 11 is only 187 yards from the black markers. That, however, only tells part of the story, as the shot is uphill the entire way to the very long and undulating green. A ravine flanks the entire left side of the hole, so any play just off the mark will be lost. The putting surface is two-tiered and runs from middle to back and front. A back-left pin is diabolical, but nothing a sweeping draw can't handle. With no trees, the wind will play havoc with your approach.
Another signature hole on the Prince Course is the dynamic 12th, a short par-4 of only 390 yards. In fact, it plays significantly shorter, as the tee box stands some 100 feet above the green. Carved into a ravine, the fairway is quite narrow with trees guarding both sides of the landing area. If you thought the tee shot was difficult, your approach to the green must be spot-on, as the green falls off on the left and has a watery jungle to the right and rear. The putting surface is not tricky, so you'll have a shot at birdie, that is, if you hit the green in two!
The stout 13th, which was carved into the hillside, is a picturesque par-4 which bends sharply to the right. The key to survive is the tee shot, which must find the narrow fairway. To the left, the landing area drops off sharply, while right is thick vegetation. By the way, driver off the tee is not needed, as a creek crosses the fairway at the nearest point in the dogleg. Playing slightly uphill to the green, you're faced with a difficult approach to a very deep green that boasts sand left and a creek right. Take an extra stick and try not to get caught up with the natural waterfall and soothing garden grotto behind the green.
The final par-3 on the course is the longest of the quartet at 211 yards from the back tees. Playing downhill to the green, club selection is crucial, as dense trees and vegetation flank the left and a deep, massive bunkers protects the right. The putting surface is long and narrow at 44 paces, reminiscent of your left foot without the toes. Avoid the back-left pin, otherwise you might stink this one up.
Talk about a roller-coaster ride, the 15th is all that and then some. This winding par-5 can be stretched to 576 yards from the black markers, but it plays considerably shorter, as it's downhill from tee to green. Split into two quadrants, the first portion of the fairway requires placement off the tee, not brawn, as the landing area, which slopes hard from right to left and down, runs out at 245 yards to the green. Be careful not to roll through the fairway, otherwise a deep ravine, thick with vegetation, will swallow your ball. Your second shot will be a choice of two options. Going for the green is a distinct possibility because the greens sits 40-to-50 feet below or consider laying up to the left to the very accommodating fairway. Attacking this hole is risky, especially with the deep falloff right, but why not, especially if you can make an eagle three.
At first look, No. 16 seems quite benign at 375 yards, but don't be fooled. This hole, which doglegs sharply from right to left, plays uphill from tee to green. The fairway is user-friendly, as long as you avoid the right fairway bunker. Make sure you take an extra club or two with your approach, otherwise your shot might roll back down the fairway. Miss left and you'll find a deep collection area, while the right side features a pair of bunkers. The putting surface is only 31 paces in depth and can be quite tricky, especially if you're above the hole. Might be the longest 375 yard hole you'll ever play.
Only 12 yards separate the 17th and 18th holes in distance; however, the penultimate hole is rated as the second-easiest on the course. Bending from left to right, No. 17 requires an accurate tee shot, as bunkers pinch the landing area. Most of the trouble is well to the right, so even if you land in sand, you shouldn't fear the consequences. The fairway has plenty of slope, so be prepared for an uneven approach to the fairly small green, just 23 paces in depth. In addition, the putting surface is guarded appropriately by sand and slope, so even getting on in regulation will not guarantee a par.
The closing hole on the Prince Course is another dogleg right par-4, reaching 455 yards in length. The fairway feeds from left to right, with several landing area bunkers to protect the short grass. Thick underbrush lines the entire right, so avoid at all costs. A long iron or fairway metal is needed to get home, as your approach plays uphill to the elevated green. In addition, the putting surface is quite long and narrow with a bunker on either side for good measure. Picturesque with the clubhouse and Mt. Namolokama in full view, but difficult, nonetheless.
FINAL WORD: Stunning, to say the least.
The Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club is spectacular, difficult, beautiful, demanding, challenging and, yes ... stunning!
When Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted this layout, he threw away all he learned from his legendary father and created something so unique that you'll never see another course in the world that parallels the Prince.
Yes, it's difficult with its 76.2 rating, but it's also user-friendly enough with its minimum of five sets of tees on each and every hole. The course ranges from 5,400 yards to almost 7,400, so there's a spot for everyone.
Carved through some of the most beautiful terrain that Kauai has to offer, the Prince Course requires some quality golf shots, avoiding thick vegetation and navigating slopes and canyons throughout the property.
There is no letup on this course. You need to go all out, not to mention think around the layout. Driver is not always the play and don't forget the elements. The wind will blow and Kauai is known as one of the wettest spots on the planet. That, however, will not dampen your golf experience, as most of the wet stuff happens in the mountains and, guess what, that means rainbows, rainbows and rainbows.
Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle," and the Prince Course is as lush and tropical as it gets. The gorgeous vegetation and the conditioning of the course is as good as you'll find anywhere.
The overall facility is world-class, with its massive 66,000-square foot clubhouse, 13-acre practice facility and the Prince Golf Shop, all 5,500 square feet of glory and goodies.
The practice facility is worth talking about in detail, as it features three different teeing locations, each one adjusted to different wind conditions. It also includes a 1,200-square-foot putting green and a 1,200-square-foot chipping green, so if it's honing your game while away from home, this is the spot. Just make sure your spouse is happy at the Spa.
The $5 million renovation of the golf course for 13 months in 2011-12 was critical to the Prince Course in an effort to maintain its stature as the top golf course in Hawaii. "The Prince Course has been known as a very difficult golf course," Baggett said. "Improving playability was the big goal. Our goal coming in was to reopen the Prince and really raise the bar of what the experience is and the condition of the golf course as the No. 1 golf course in Hawaii."
Do you want to play this course over and over again while on vacation? Well, there are plenty of great courses on the island, but none better than The Prince. Just make sure you play the correct tees and enjoy.
Did they accomplish their goals? Asked and answered ... YES!
Aces, pars or bogeys, send your thoughts to psokol@sportsnetwork.com.
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