~13~
Wtn U SA
The Ocean Course ay Hokuala, Lihue, HI
WESTERN U.S.
The Pacific coastline of the United States and the Hawaiian archipelago offer a
golfing experience defined by dramatic geology and the relentless influence of
the ocean. On the West Coast, the game is a masterclass in diverse ecosystems.
In California, players navigate the rugged, cypress-lined cliffs of Monterey Bay
and the heavy marine layers of San Diego, where "Pacific breezes" demand
strategic club selection. Inland, you will find the desert oasis retreats of
Coachella Valley and Death Valley. Further north, the Oregon Coast introduces
a true links-style challenge at Bandon Dunes, with fairways carved through
shifting sand dunes and ancient coastal forests. Washington and Idaho couses
are among the country's most beautiful.
Hawaii transforms the sport into a tropical odyssey. The "Garden Isle" of Kauai
features lush, emerald fairways set against volcanic spires, while the Big Island
offers the striking contrast of vibrant greens against stark black lava fields. A
signature characteristic of Hawaiian golf is the interaction with the terrain;
courses like Volcano Golf Course sit on the rim of active craters, and seaside
holes often require heroic carries over crashing surf. Across both regions, the
common thread is a profound "sense of place," where the landscape isn't just a
backdrop but a primary competitor, shaped by salt air, volcanic soil, and the vast
Pacific horizon.
Whereever you choose to play on the West Coast or Hawaii, make sure you pack
sunscreen and shorts, as the mild climate allows play all year round.