Round Played: with Tom Smith –
By Wayne Halm –
The Hawaiian Sun Likes White Meat –
On November 19th I played the Kauai Lagoons Course with Tom Smith from New Haven, Connecticut. We only had time for 9 holes – we chose the ocean nine and set our sights on FUN.
Tom
Tom took the warning “The Hawaiian Sun Likes White Meat” seriously and applied sunscreen to his fair Connecticut complexion.
This is the brand sold in the Pro Shop at Kauai Lagoons.
We got Tom a set of rental clubs and took off on adventure. Six balls come with the rentals and I was a little worried – the ocean nine has a famous appetite for golf balls. It was ‘wasted worry’.
Taylor Mades are the rental clubs at Kauai Lagoons
At first the brisk Trade Winds were an issue for Tom. But by the time we got to the holes near the airport he had figured it out.
The Trade Winds cause planes to land on the runway near the course – the noisy takeoffs are done elsewhere.
Tom’s confidence was firmly established before we reached the 14th hole. That was good – confidence is required on this intimidating par 3.
This hole is not for the timid – just go for it.
The scenery can be distracting on this course. Tom commented, “Maybe Jack Nicklaus designed it this way to create photo opportunities.” That made sense to me – so we took some photos.
Tom seemed glad to let the scenery distract him.
And of course I had to get this picture.
There is no other way to say it – the 16th hole belonged to Tom. He played it like it was his home course.
That is Tom’s second shot near the pin – He is looking for my ball.
This guy looks right a home – If he had hit his birdie putt half an inch farther? – Well, a par put a smile on his face too.
On 17 and 18 we did our share to help re-surface the lagoon bottom. But that was okay, we were on our way for a beer and rehash of a fun round.
The lagoon in front of the18th green is always hungry.
This was a fun day on the course – we got some memories and some stories to tell – it was the way golf should be.
Come play golf with me.
The Kauai Lagoons Golf Club 800-634-6400 or http://www.KauaiLagoonsGolf.Com .
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Remind me not to play the ocean nine with you when I one day get over there… I’ll end up looking like a lobster and owe you a whole set of new balls!
Aloha Amelia,
Of course you will play golf with me. The sunscreen works well, even on pale pretty Australian women. And we can’t worry about lost golf balls – they are sort of a public service. Since the volcanoes went extinct lost golf balls are the only way our island continues to grow. Slip Kauai into your schedule.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne