Nanea - Hawaii - USA
72-2921 Kaupulehu Road,
Kailua Kona,
Hawaii (HI) 96740,
USA
+1 (0) 808 930 1310
7 miles NE of Kona International Airport
Members and their guests only
Not known
David McLay Kidd
Clint Tolbert
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The Island of Hawaii, or Big Island as it is also known, is an extraordinary place to visit. It’s naturally Hawaii’s largest island where numerous different climate zones create bizarre extremes, including lush rain forests, black sandy beaches, arid deserts and even a snow-capped volcano called Mauna Kea, which is actually a dormant volcano that last erupted some 4,000 years ago. However, it’s also the world’s tallest mountain when measured from the foot of the ocean floor. Big Island is perhaps more famous for it’s active volcano “Kilauea” but, for the benefit of the world of golf, the island really should be better known as home to Nanea Golf Club, Hawaii’s best course. Opened in 2003 and designed by David McLay Kidd for Charles Schwab and Safeway magnate George Roberts, Nanea Golf Club is the most exclusive club in Hawaii. "Our selection David McLay Kidd to design our course was based on his creativity and his flair for creating outstanding links golf courses, the determination of his entire team to produce the best results, and of course his Scottish brogue." Stated Charles Schwab & George Roberts. Nanea Golf Club is so exclusive that it shuns publicity. Membership is by invitation only and consequently you’ll have to befriend one of the lucky few to get a game here. Alternatively, you could try and make it into nearby Kealakehe High School’s golf team who are allowed to practice and play home matches here. The clubhouse was designed to resemble the island’s five volcanoes and the course itself was laid out on a thick lava mantle with the heart of British seaside links at its roots. We’d love to hear from anyone who has played the course. Better still, why not write a review and let the world know what they’ve been missing. |
Reviews for Nanea
I have played several fantastic golf courses including Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Sawgrass, Kings Creek, Harbortown and in Hawaii, Kapalua, Prince, Manele, Wailea, etc. I have also visited Augusta National for the Masters, so I’ve seen and played great courses. Nanea is in 
another whole class than ALL of the courses named above, and in many ways is similar to Augusta National in terms of its exclusivity and in the perfection of its conditioning. There was nary a ball mark on the greens and every blade of grass was mowed to perfection. Pro V1s on the superb driving range and a wonderful and entertaining caddie named Channing who has caddied for pro golfers on that course who I would only have to say their first name and you would know who they are. Anyway, it is the best course I have ever played on and I was thrilled to shoot an 82 as well. A memory I will never forget!
After redeploying from Afghanistan recently I was blessed to take part in the Hualalai Champions Tour Pro Am with Fred Funk, and was invited to play Nanea on January 19th 2013 by a member. As soon as you reach the club at the top of the hill, where there are no signs or GPS reference to the club, you realize you can reach out and touch heaven. The course is the Augusta National of the Pacific, impeccably maintained, un questioned beauty, and very challenging course also. Be prepared for wind, and listen to the members and caddie, as there is no real grain to read on the greens. Once completed enjoy a Kobe steak wrap and a long board. An absolute bucket list event, a must play. I hope I get another chance in my life.
My son and I played Nanea twice. Here, we ventured up to the "caddie tee" on the 9th hole for a great view.
I played Nanea a few weeks ago with a client whose a member and it is easily a top 10 course in the US. Dramatic holes but not repetitive. I have played all the top 10 and Nanea is on par with National Golf Links of America or Shinnecock.