Manele Golf Course

About Manele Golf Course

Jack Nicklaus carved this dramatic oceanfront masterpiece into the red dirt cliffs of Lanai's southern shore, creating what many consider his finest resort design. The Golden Bear took full advantage of the island's rugged topography, routing holes along towering sea cliffs where Pacific swells crash 150 feet below and trade winds can turn a smooth 7-iron into a white-knuckle adventure. The signature 12th hole, a downhill par-3 over churning ocean to a green perched on a rocky outcropping, ranks among golf's most photographed and intimidating shots. Since opening in 1993, Manele has maintained impeccable conditioning despite the challenging volcanic soil and salt air, testament to meticulous agronomy that keeps the bermuda fairways firm and fast year-round. The course rewards strategic thinking over pure distance, as Nicklaus built multiple tees and generous landing areas that let you play to your strengths while still demanding precise approach shots to undulating greens. At nearly $500 per round, it's a splurge, but the combination of world-class golf architecture and one of Hawaii's most spectacular natural settings makes it worth every penny for the experience of a lifetime.

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