Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the Kona Coast of
Hawaii’s Big Island partnered with nearby Kona Country Club late in
2006 on a first-ever Keauhou golf package, creating what is being
referred to as Hawaii’s newest golf destination. The program proved
so successful that Sheraton Keauhou Bay recently announced the
continuation of the collaboration through 2007.
Kona Country Club is mere steps away from Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Resort & Spa, and with complimentary trolley transportation
included in Sheraton’s golf package, the two properties act as one
destination. Kona Country Club has been welcoming golfers to Kona's
south coast for nearly 40 years, and currently offers two
challenging 18-hole courses. The design of the courses can
challenge the expert golfer, yet still prove entirely manageable
for the novice. A driving range, chipping and putting practice
greens are available, and the professional staff at Kona Country
Club also offers lessons, clinics and full-service golf tournament
arrangements for the serious sportsperson. Those guests for whom
golf is a newer experience or who golf only on holiday will find a
well-stocked pro shop, offering a range of golf-related attire and
equipment, and golf club rentals available for both right- and
left- handed men and women.
Both courses offer quality turf conditions, though each provides a
dramatically different golfing experience.
The Ocean Course was designed by William Bell, hugging the Pacific
Ocean and dramatic black lava rock shoreline for which the coast is
famous. In winter, distractions will come not only from the
expected well-placed sand traps and jagged lava outcroppings, but
from breaching humpback whales on their migratory journey. Course
yardage is 6,748 from the blue (championship) tees, with a 72.8
course rating and 129 slope.
The Ali'i Mountain Course's front nine was designed by William
Bell, and the back nine by Nelson Wright. It offers a more
challenging terrain on a par 72 course with 6,634 yards from the
blue (championship) tees, 72.9 rating and 135 slope.
Golf Package rates for two begin at $390 per night and include two
rounds of golf for each night of stay, breakfast buffet and a
Custom Cooler, in which guests can transport refreshments and
snacks from the buffet out onto the green to keep them energized
through their rounds of golf. The nightly rate also includes
transportation to the Kona Country Club (dependent upon trolley
schedule and tee times), and complimentary use of the resort’s
oceanfront Fitness Center.
888-488-3535
www.starwoodhotels.com/hawaii
