Mauna Lani South Course

Mauna Lani South Course was designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright and opened in 1981 on the Big Island\'s Kohala Coast, now part of the Auberge-managed Mauna Lani resort. The entire course was built on solid pahoehoe and a\'a lava formations completely devoid of topsoil — all soil had to be imported.

The iconic par-3 15th over crashing Pacific waves and ancient Hawaiian fishponds is one of the most photographed holes in the world. The vivid contrast of emerald bermuda fairways against prehistoric black lava creates one of golf\'s most unforgettable visual experiences.

Generous fairways and wide-open views make this the more resort-friendly of Mauna Lani\'s two courses. The front nine plays inland through stark lava fields with mountain backdrops; the back nine builds toward the ocean climax at 15.

The natural lava rough is unforgiving — any ball leaving the fairway onto rock is gone. But the maintained corridors are generous enough for all skill levels.

Golf Digest Top 75 Resort Course. The fishponds at 15 are historic Hawaiian aquaculture sites dating back centuries.

Wind off the ocean intensifies on the back nine, especially at 15. Club up on the oceanfront par 3s.

Afternoon trade winds are strongest — morning tee times offer calmer conditions.

The lava rough is absolute death. Keep it on the fairway at all costs, but the fairways are wide enough to accommodate most players.

Bring extra balls for the coastal stretch.