Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeFirst Hawaii golf course designed by Ernie Els unveiled

First Hawaii golf course designed by Ernie Els unveiled

By Brian Ojima

EWA BEACH (KHNL) - It's what you'd expect from an Ernie Els designed golf course, overlooking Oahu's southwestern coastline. This 18-hole, 7,400 yard championship course is filled with immaculate, lush greens, white sand bunkers and naturally flowing springs that make playing here, both challenging, yet picturesque.

"we really wanted to build something really nice where we can play tournament golf and really help the Ewa Beach community."

Just his second designed course in the United States and the first in Hawaii, Els designed this course with the goal of eventually attracting a PGA Tour event.

"I would love to see PGA golf here, I think it's a strong enough golf course to hold up to tournament conditions."

Water undoubtedly plays a huge role in the course, with strategically placed natural and man made lakes and lagoons, coming into play on over two thirds of the course.

But it's the numerous sand traps like this one on the par 3, 3rd, that make this course, one of the most challenging on the island.

"Our philosophy is to get the guy off the tee, penalize him with bunkering and then start getting in the golfers mind with 2nd shots giving him some options, going for broke, or going on the safe side."

The inaugural Ernie Els Hoakalei Cup Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Tuesday, April 21st at Hoakalei Country Club. For more information, call (808) 388-4049.