Course of the Week: Mauna Kea Resort reveals its newly renovated golf course
Mauna Kea Resort in Kohala Coast, Hawaii, revealed its recently renovated Mauna Kea golf course. The course is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. creation and was renovated by his son, Robert Trent Jones Jr. The opening in December coincided with with the 60th anniversary of the original opening by the “Big Three”— Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
The 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course transformed a rugged and barren black lava field into a professional fairway, establishing itself as the island’s first resort course. Updated by his son Rees Jones decades later, and most recently by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course holds a unique distinction as the only one in the world to feature the combined vision of the Jones family — Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
“The Mauna Kea Golf Course has long been hailed as one of Hawaii’s top courses, with a deep history and cultural connection to the island,” said Kansas Henderson, hotel manager of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. “With this renovation, we’ve elevated the course to new heights while honoring its legacy. By working alongside its original designer’s son, Robert Trent Jones Jr., we’ve ensured the updated course remains true to his father’s original vision and continues to be one of the most celebrated in the world. From its breathtaking cliffside views to its thoughtfully enhanced features for better playability, the course is a true celebration of golf’s enduring spirit and the iconic allure of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.”
The renovation included updating the fairway and greens to seashore paspalum grass. Jones Jr. also redesigned the bunkers to make them more suitable for modern play. The renovation restored classic over-the-ocean holes. Finally, Jones Jr. stayed committed to sustainable practices and designs while updating with modern amenities throughout the club.
The golf course retains its challenging yet approachable design, offering a mix of long and short holes that cater to players of all skill levels. The course has also previously hosted the Big Three Championship.
Mauna Kea Resort has a long history extending back to when Laurance Rockefeller opened Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in 1965. The property shares 1,839 acres of oceanfront land with The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences and together comprise Rockefeller’s early vision for his Hawaii Island portfolio. A cherished tradition at Mauna Kea is the 52nd annual Mauna Kea Pro-Am, a celebrated Hawaii Island event since 1973 offering members and PGA professionals the chance to play on the course, following in the footsteps of golfing legends while enjoying the vistas of the Kohala Coast.
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<p>The post Course of the Week: Mauna Kea Resort reveals its newly renovated golf course first appeared on Golfdom.</p>