Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The signature Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai is a true hidden gem, located on the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii. On December 25, 2023, the course will commemorate its 30th anniversary, and guests can enjoy a variety of activities during the festive season.

High above the crashing surf of Hulopoe Bay, Manele Golf Course is an outstanding course that lives up to its storied challenge.  Built on lava outcroppings, the Par 72, 7,039 yard course features three cliff-top holes that use the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard. Five tees allow the course to be enjoyed by all levels of golfers while presenting a formidable test to the best players. Tee shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise, and golfers face a challenge keeping eyes on the ball with ocean views from every hole.  In winter months, the course’s fairways are among the best vantage points for spectacular sightings of whales making their annual migration.

Over three decades of operations the course has received numerous accolades - a testament to its beautiful location, attention to stewardship and a commitment to delivering a fantastic golfing experience. It’s no wonder Manele Golf Course has become a bucket list golf destination.

Guests at Four Seasons Resort Lanai can test their luck on anniversary day with a Hit the Green Contest.  Contestants can take a chance to swing and win a special prize December 25 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  A special Bloody Mary bar cart will be available for any players or non-golfing contestants that day.

Jack Nicklaus considers Manele Golf Course to be one of his finest designs, ideal for a championship event, yet comfortable for a round among friends. In keeping with the commitment to a championship course, no compromises were made in the routing. Each hole requires concentration and a good judgment.

The 12th hole is probably the most famous, notoriously known for the demanding carry it requires across 200 yards of ocean blue.  This par 3 hangs 150 feet (46 metres) over the surf, with no fairway. It's all carry over the sea to the green.

VIEWS Restaurant at the Course will feature a special cocktail in honour of this renowned hole – The Manele Transfusion #12.  On the menu December 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024, the drink is Lanai’s take on what many consider the original golf cocktail, featuring Tito's, Concord grape juice, lime juice, lilikoi and a ginger ale floater.

One of the most distinguished golf professionals in Hawaii, Scott Ashworth, Director of Golf, has more than 25 years of experience in the golf industry and has received many accolades, including the 2018 and 2008 Golf Professional of the Year from the PGA Aloha Section. He was the District 11 Director for the PGA of America representing the Aloha, Northern California and Southern California Sections on the National Board of Directors from 2016 to 2018 and was recently selected for a second three-year term starting November 2024.

Ashworth is joined by colleagues Kendric Kimizuka, Head Golf Professional and Seril Shimizu, Golf Course Superintendent, who collectively have worked at Manele Golf Course almost 30 years combined.  Ashworth shares, “The strong relationship of our leadership team has allowed us to focus and deliver on our goals.  Our success, and the memories our players have for their time on the greens, is truly a team effort from all our golf employees.”

One of Ashworth’s favourite stories is about the designer’s visit nine years ago.  He says, “As we were touring the golf course and looking at potential renovation plans, we came upon our signature 12th hole, arguably one of the most famous cliffside ocean holes in the world.  We all just sat there in silence waiting for Mr. Nicklaus to say something when he finally said, ‘No need to do anything here!’ and off we went to the next hole!  It just doesn’t get any better than Manele Golf Course.”