Ko'olau Golf Club, Kaneohe, Hawaii - Considered One of the World's Most Challenging Golf Courses from the Back Tees

With a slope rating of 152 from the back tees, Ko'olau can rightly be considered for the title of "World's Most Challenging Golf Course.'' That's not surprising, considering the course was carved out of a tropical rain forest on the windward side of the 2,000-foot Ko'olau Mountain Range. When gazing upon the course, many golfers have described it as resembling the setting for "Jurassic Park.''

The course, designed by Dick Nugent and Jack Tuthill, combines three distinct climate zones and plays over extreme elevation changes and winding ravines, while displaying breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush vegetation. The advice for golfers playing Ko'olau sums up what to expect: "Bring as many extra balls as your handicap.''

The course also offers a compelling view of Kaneohe Bay, yet the course fairways are not bordered by traditional rough or water, but, rather, by ball-eating jungle. The course is known for its huge sand bunkers and forced carries - 11 of the 18 holes bring ravines into play - as the layout weaves in, out, around and through the dense rain forest.

Of late, the course has been made more user-friendly, but Ko'olau still packs plenty of challenge. For golfers who choose the "Resort'' tees, the course plays to a manageable 6,797 yards with a USGA rating of 71.7 and a slope rating of 138 on Seashore Paspalum grass.

One of the most noteworthy holes on the course is No. 18, which is considered the toughest par-4 to be found on any Hawaii course. At 476 yards from the back tees, and a still-substantial 432 yards from the Resort tees, even a par score on this hole is extremely rare.

Since being built in 1992, the course has received many honors and accolades. Golf Digest named it one of the top three golf clubs in Hawaii, GOLF Magazine ranked it among the "Top 100 Places You Can Play,'' and Golflink.com ranked it 7th among the "Top 100 United States Golf Courses.''

Ko'olau also offers a five-acre practice facility, including a grass driving range, an elevated chipping green with a bunker, as well as a two-tier, 7,000-square-foot putting green. There's also a 3,000-square-foot pro shop with a full range of equipment, clothing and accessories. Rental clubs are available. The KMR School of Golf is also available for golf instruction.

Ko'olau also features one of the most noteworthy clubhouses - 120,000 square feet of elegance for relaxing and dining. The clubhouse features a snack bar as well as the Honey's at Ko'olau Restaurant. Named after Honey Ho, a "kupuna'' (honored elder, and father of legendary entertainer Don Ho) from Kaneohe, the restaurant offers Continental and Pacific-Asian cuisine, as well as live entertainment on weekends.