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Golf
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Hawaii - The Big Island Golf Of the 13 major climate zones found on planet Earth, all but one (the Arctic tundra), is present on the island of Hawaii. Stark deserts and tropical rainforests, black-sand beaches, fiery volcanoes, and snow-capped summits, are all part of the Island's breathtaking diversity. Golfers can sample desert, seaside, pastoral, and mountain courses, although the biggest draws are the lava courses along the sunny Kona-Kohala Coast.
Lava golf derives its appeal from the juxtaposition of elements: Penetrating black lava, brilliant green grass and deep blue ocean and sky are all framed by bright white sands to create a truly stunning visual effect. Mauna Kea, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., is the most famous of these lava courses. Almost four decades after it was built, it is still ranked by Golf Digest as one of America's top 100 tests of golf. Other great lava layouts include the Mauna Lani North and South courses, home of the Senior Skins Game, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai Golf Club, site of the PGA Senior Tour's Mastercard Championships. Only a short distance up the road but often overlooked are the Big Island's "upcountry" layouts, which offer an alternative golfing environment that is equally enthralling. Played at elevations above 2,000 feet, upcountry golf does not feature shots across the blue Pacific or offshore sightings of humpback whales, but the air is crisp, the views spectacular, and wildlife abundant. Golfers can try the Pete Dye-designed Big Island Country Club, with its tall stands of eucalyptus trees, large lakes, and colorful tropical plantings. Or the Makalei Hawaii Country Club, a true mountain course that climbs to an elevation of 3,000 feet and features wild turkey, peacocks, and Chinese ringneck pheasant. Altogether, the Big Islands offers 19 courses, including one, the Volcano Golf & Country Club, that sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet near the rim of active volcano!
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