Ko'olau Golf Club

Ko'olau Golf Club sits in the windward foothills of the Ko'olau Mountains in Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu. Designed by Dick Nugent with Jack Tuthill and opened in 1992, the course occupies dramatic terrain where the mountain range meets the valley floor. The routing moves through dense tropical vegetation and across steep elevation changes, with fairways often carved into narrow corridors flanked by jungle and ravines. The topography creates forced carries over deep gorges and approach shots to elevated greens, making distance control and accuracy essential throughout the round. The course is known for its extreme difficulty from the back tees, with a slope rating that has frequently ranked among the highest in the United States. Water hazards, including streams and ponds, come into play on multiple holes, and the prevailing trade winds add another layer of challenge. The Ko'olau Mountains provide a constant backdrop, often shrouded in clouds and mist that move across the ridgeline. Several holes require significant carries from the tee, and the penalty for missed shots is typically severe given the surrounding terrain. Ko'olau operates as a public-access facility, drawing golfers interested in testing themselves against one of Hawaii's most demanding layouts. The course has hosted regional amateur events and remains a notable example of target golf in a tropical mountain setting. The design emphasizes risk and consequence, with little room for recovery once a ball leaves the fairway.