Built By Local Professional Caddies

Built from years of firsthand caddy experience, this guide reveals the preferred landing areas, safest misses, elevation-adjusted club selections, and strategic decisions that help you navigate one of Hawaii's most dramatic championship layouts.

Enhanced by AI

AI-powered analysis identifies the strategic characteristics that define Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, including elevation-adjusted yardages, preferred landing areas, forced-carry strategy, ideal approach angles, green-complex tendencies, and the highest-percentage decisions on every hole.

HOLE 1 -  WELCOME TO JURASSIC PARK

Par 4 -  418 / 395 / 379 yds.

Tee Shot
Originally designed by Pete and Perry Dye and named "Luana Hills CC," the golf course was considered too challenging and Greg Norman was brought in to redesign and soften the course. The course is located in the tropical Maunawili Valley at the base of the Koʻolau Mountains, where it rains frequently. Even if the weather report doesn't call for rain, it is wise to pack some rain gear, extra towels, and a change of clothes in your bag. Royal Hawaiian is on the windward side of Oahu and the Ko'olau mountains can also act as a funnel for the wind. So, prepare for windy conditions, especially on the first hole, which plays directly into the wind.

The first hole bends slightly to the right and plays gently uphill. The tee boxes align to the left of the hole, so make sure to adjust accordingly. The right side of the hole is to be avoided with sloping and trees guarding. The target line is left-center of the fairway and if you look up at the mountains in the distance, you will see a very defined arrow volcanic ridge corridor that will act as a good visual for your target. Take dead aim at the corridor and be mindful of the tee box alignment.

Low handicap: Although this course was redesigned to make it "softer," there are some narrow fairways with penal jungle areas looming, which makes it next to impossible to find your ball. It is wise for a low handicapper to leave the driver in the bag on several holes and wear out that sweet spot on your 3-wood. This hole is one of them.

Mid-High handicap: Play a game with yourself out here today and try to hit as many fairways as possible, count them, and make it a big deal. Big numbers are going to come starting off the tee and to keep your momentum going and to stay positive, stay in play off the tee.  So, if that means hitting a 5-wood, a 7-wood or a 7-iron even, it will pay dividends in the end. This first hole is no different. If you miss big to the right with all of your clubs, there is plenty of room to aim way left and if you hit it straight, your ball will still be in play.