The lobby to the refurbished St. Regis Princeville Resort is the entrance to lodging luxury “Kauai Style” and will satisfy the most discriminating traveler.  

Kauai has some of the best tropical golf in the world with ten golf facilities in total. All except for one are always open to the public and each is very entertaining in its own way. The golf and the hub of the tourism is concentrated on the eastern coast making all the courses within drivable distance of one another. That said, there are only a very few routes with slow speed limits and traffic (freeways don’t exist), so it might be best picking one of my three primary lodging recommendations and traveling from there. If you plan to do a lot of driving, I’d recommend a rental car, as taxi rides for extended trips can be dear.   Of course, I cannot report on every lodging option, but here are three that I recently stayed at and heartily recommend. Each of the following three offerings has magnificent beaches, excellent dining, good service, and spectacular adjoining golf.  What’s more, resort guests usually receive discounts of up to $60 a round at selected courses.

The actual view from my St. Regis room of Hanalei Bay and the Napali Cliffs!

In the north of Kauai, my choice is The St. Regis Princeville Resort. I would describe this as the most luxurious offering and will cost you the most, but the views of the surrounding Na Pali Cliffs and the setting on Hanalei Bay are idyllic – certainly defining the term “room with a view.” From here, the Makai Golf Club and The Princeville Prince Golf Course are essentially right on site and served by shuttles. This quiet resort along with its exquisite beach was used to host as well as film scenes for the movie, “The Descendents.”   Alternatively, for families with children, and larger groups, you may want to consider The Westin Princeville, which borders The Makai Golf Club. This facility offers timeshare villas and suites that include fully equipped kitchens and shopping amenities on site as well as gorgeous views of Pacific.

 The Westin Princeville offers villa style rooms that are a great fit for families or groups.

On the south end of the island in what is a dryer and breezier climate is the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. This sprawling hotel is the largest on the island and bursts with energy. It adjoins the Poipu Bay Golf Course, and would be the most convenient to play Kiahuna, Kukilono Park, or the private Club at Kukui-ula. You will marvel at the Spa, many water pools, falls, and lagoon options that supplement the beach.

A view of the Hyatt’s salt-water lagoon above and an aerial view below.

Now if you want to stay closer to the geographic midpoint of the Island and play golf both north and south, the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kalapaki Beach may be the best hub location. Just a four-minute shuttle from the airport, it hosts the adjoining Kauai Lagoons golf facility, and is convenient to both the Puakea Golf Course and the Wailua Golf Course. Because of its central coast location, you can also go south to Poipu or north to Princeville.

Two views from my Kauai Marriott  room

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All of the hotels offer a host of other amenities including fine dining, and adventures featuring this Garden Isle and make for a great getaway vacation!

Below is just one of the idyllic scenes to rejuvenate and refresh one at The St. Regis Princeville.

]]> http://robertfagan.com/golf/golf/courses-and-travel/7904/where-to-stay-when-you-play-golf-in-kauai/feed 0 http://robertfagan.com/golf/coaching/life-coaching/7924/a-quick-cure-for-loneliness http://robertfagan.com/golf/coaching/life-coaching/7924/a-quick-cure-for-loneliness#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 18:24:18 +0000 Bob Fagan http://robertfagan.com/?p=7924   "Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be loved as to love."  - Saint Francis of Assisi Do you suffer from loneliness? It's no shame and millions do. Saint Francis in the above quote pretty succinctly hits upon the cure to loneliness. So often when we enter into or gauge a possible relationship, or encounter a bump in the road in an existing one, we look upon what the other person can give to us. ... ]]>

“Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be loved as to love.”  - Saint Francis of Assisi

Do you suffer from loneliness? It’s no shame and millions do. Saint Francis in the above quote pretty succinctly hits upon the cure to loneliness.

So often when we enter into or gauge a possible relationship, or encounter a bump in the road in an existing one, we look upon what the other person can give to us. Would you consider flipping that and picturing how you might give love to that person? Could you continue to always provide love to that person?

Life seems to work better when we are more focused on giving over getting. The counterintuitive aspect is that we get back that which we give and the more we give love the more love is given back to us. It’s no more complicated than that. I’ve tried both ways and the giving side of the equation has always worked best.

Don’t fret if this takes some time and effort, but continue to keep your focus on what you can give sincerely and you will find others reacting to you in a more rewarding fashion.

(In the past four days, I’ve unexpectedly lost a dear friend of more than thirty years, a nephew of 27 years, and received some very challenging and potential life-threatening news regarding a very dear younger friend. Unfortunately my experience is not unique compared to some, but for me it brought home how precious life is and why we should not passively watch life go by, but go out and live it! This article is dedicated to Aaron Yocum and Robin Souder who did, in fact, relish and live their life.)

Do you watch others chase their dreams or are you engaged in chasing your own?

Are you thinking for yourself or are you being fed information by others so as to form your opinion about life around you?

I like to watch sports, news, and more than enough television than I should probably admit, but we Americans have overdosed on television, and similar mindless, stationary pursuits. We have gone from a nation of doers to a nation of mindless watchers bordering on zombie-ism. What’s worse is that we have become not only mindless, but obese and unhappy too. Traveling abroad has really brought this home, as others are more active, vital, and engaged in life. Do you think I am exaggerating?

Statistics tell us that 85% of North American households last year did not buy one non-fiction book. Not one!  If that amazes you, here is something even more amazing.  90% of those who bought a non-fiction book did not read it!  Yet during that period of time these same people spent 85 BILLION DOLLARS on movies and watched television over 6 hours a day or 42 hours a week! And did you know that Americans read on average only one book in the rest of their entire life following their formal education? What do they rely on their ongoing continuing education – entertainers, athletes, pundits, and highly focused propaganda and advertising?

Are you addicted to the “plug-in drug” be it the TV, computer, or some similar device? Both American men and women are highly addicted to this powerful drug. Men will often criticize women for watching TV soap operas or other mindless TV programs, but they are not immune to this drug either. Watching TV sports is the most mindless, time wasting non-activity ever conceived by man. Watching a group of men high on testosterone running around and throwing a ball, and screaming at the TV for hours on end is absurd. There is nothing wrong with wanting to watch a special game or playoff, but to continually spend your nights and weekends watching these games is nothing short of being brain dead. I used to watch every golf tournament, and too many reality shows and sitcoms. When I reduced them and substituted reading, writing, communicating with others, exercising, volunteering, etc., I introduced a new and rewarding vitality into my life.

And then there are those pundits and advertisers that bombard you many times an hours with how to think, what to do, how to fit in, how to vote, and what to buy. Do you really want to give up your precious time on this planet listening and watching someone else? Or abdicate your power? How about thinking, reading, and exercising? Or how about talking or engaging with others  within your home or outside of it if you are single?

For those who critique the powerful elite, you might as well criticize yourself for most have handed over all their power to them. With their advertising, they control you – no ifs, ands, or buts. By the way, how many televisions, computers, or Smartphone screens are there in your household? If you were without them, would you experience serious withdrawal, maybe even panic?

Now perhaps you say, “That’s not true in my household.” Perhaps. But look around and add up how many hours the TV is running in the background, or you are flipping the remote “just to see what’s on.” How about the time you are logging into your computer?  Compare that to how much reading you do, engaging with family members, exercising, playing sports, or time spent in creative hobbies, or perhaps volunteering in your community, or learning or perfecting a skill.

No I am not perfect, nor do I pretend to be, but I am improving every day. Consider that we have become a nation of “watchers” instead of a nation of “doers.”  Do your television viewing habits really enhance your life? Really? What if you were to only switch from entertainment shows (for zombies) to simply educational forum shows? We watch people entertain, play sports and do other activities but we rarely participate in these activities ourselves. It wouldn’t be so bad if you wanted to actually PLAY sports and get some exercise, but to watch others do it for hours on end is wasting thousands of hours of your life that could be used to bring you everything you truly desire. Most everyone you see on your television is busy chasing his or her dream, how about taking charge of your life and chasing yours?

Here is my point. If you don’t have the riches, the health, talents, relationships, or just the “stuff” you desire in your life, it is a clear indicator of how you are spending your time.  I know, you need to relax, your friends are doing it, and you need to know the “score” or who has been eliminated from a game or reality show.  In the meantime, we (you) are methodically being brainwashed into a fat disempowering stupor, and the qualities that gave us freedom and a nicer standard of living quietly are lost. So get out there and live life before it passes you by!

The long par-four 16th at Poipu Bay evokes comparisons to Pebble Beach and is one of the world’s great golf holes.

Set alongside the very comfortable surrounds of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, you have to believe that golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. had to be salivating when chosen to design Poipu Bay. This is one splendid design of a golf course that is one of the “must-plays” when visiting Kauai.

Like the rest of Poipu Bay, the par-three 11th appears easy enough provided you don’t miss the ball in the wrong place … and then there’s that invisible defense called the tradewinds!

If you have already heard of or seen pictures of Poipu Bay, you are not alone. The course has a much photographed stretch (holes15-17) that evokes comparisons to the iconic cliffs of Pebble Beach only these ones are higher. From 1994 through 2006, the layout also annually hosted the PGA Grand Slam for the winners of the four major men’s professional titles.

Looking back up from the 16th green toward the massive cliffs is a breathtaking sight!

If you remember, not only did Tiger Woods shoot a 10-under par 62 here, but Phil Mickelson fired an amazing 59 at Poipu Bay. Chances are, as you tackle the 7,123-yard challenge from the tips, you will discover how incredible those scores are for there is nothing easy about the test. (Reportedly, Phil only hit four fairways during that round, but the man can putt!)

Looking back on the drive (or often less) and pitch par-four 13th – a playable, but potentially dangerous little hole.

My take on Poipu Bay is that it is an immaculate garden spot with a dash of Pebble Beach cliffside golf thrown in. The course closest in comparison would be on the north shore of Kauai – Princeville, which was also designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Poipu features a different drier look with shorter trees and, of course, different backdrops. Like the other premier Kauai courses, Poipu Bay has undergone extensive improvement with seaside paspalum grass being the new grass of choice and the course now plays magnificently.

More than the other courses, Poipu Bay is exposed to the brisk tradewinds heading out of the east. Jones took this into account as he fashioned his shorter holes into the wind and longer ones downwind. He built many deep greens to provide stopping room to accommodate downwind approaches. The deception is that the course actually plays longer than its stated yardage. If there is an easier feature on the layout, it is that the par-fives are very docile. If you expect to score well here, you had better play them well. For me, the meat of the course and the best holes are the two-shotters. They are typically well-bunkered and those particularly situated in the middle of the course play considerable longer due to the brisk prevailing breezes.

Located left of the par-three 17th hole is an ancient sacred place of worship estimated to be about 500 years old.

It is no secret that you, like designer Jones, will revel in the two spectacular ocean holes at 15 and 16. Measuring 427 and 510 yards respectively, these two shotters are thrillingly picturesque – and tough! Also distracting are the world-class views from each of the tee boxes. While you may drive it a long way on 15, trying to get close with your approach given the false front and then securing a par is no automatic procedure. The 16^th is one of the great two-shotters in the world and the longer you drive the ball, the tighter the landing area becomes. The putting surface is also boldly contoured making it not only tough to hit and hold, but a challenge to putt. Again playing downwind, the par-three, par-five finish makes for a scenic finish to a most pleasurable golf experience that is Poipu Bay!

Below is the attractive par-five finishing hole (from behind and right of the green) and a good opportunity to end with a birdie!

The par-three 6th is as scary and beautiful a hole as you will find!

Kauai has several fantastic upscale golf courses, but how about a “gem” that is a far more affordable, yet has many fantastic views, great holes, and excellent service and comfortable ambiance? Search no further than the Puakea Golf Course in Lihue. While you won’t find valet services or a fancy clubhouse, you will find really good food, an expansive practice range, great service, and yes, an inspiring golf course.

The course has an interesting history as it began as a 10-hole layout that actually lay dormant for five years until the 18 holes were thankfully completed in 2003 thanks to an infusion of cash from AOL Co-Founder Steve Case. Conveniently located only minutes from the airport, this is more blue-collar golf with a large trailer serving as the clubhouse. With Puakea, however, you’d be wise not to judge a book by its cover, or even its first hole or two.

 The adjoining greens of the par-three 12th (left) and par-four 11th (right foreground) compose one of the best sections of the course furthest from the clubhouse.

As you step to the first tee with the back end of a Costco Warehouse and a Home Depot in sight, you may question my recommendation, but stick with me. The second hole, quite frankly won’t get your blood moving either, but stay patient.  The 407-yard par-four third hole and the 359-yard 5^th both with water to the left will begin to get your attention, but as you step to the 6^th tee, you will begin to understand my recommendation.

The long par-four 15th gets my vote as the toughest two-shotter at Puakea.

The 176-yard drop-shot sixth hole is one of the prettiest and scariest little holes in Hawaii – or beyond. From its highly elevated tee box, you hit down over a little pond to a green far below you framed by a jungle and serrated mountain backdrop known as the Hapuna Ridge that is world-class vista! In fact, the background mountains were used as the backdrop for scenes in the movie Jurassic Park. Anyway, choosing the correct club, especially the first time around, will definitely give you pause on this hole.

The course meanders well enough along until you encounter the eleventh hole. From that moment on, Puakea steps up its game especially from a scenic perspective. For me, the 397-yard par-four 12^th and the 228-yard 13^th make for one of the best tandems on Kauai, and the strong two-shotters with the 446-yard 15^th and the 455-yard 17^th look and play as well as any in Hawaii. And if favor any other holes in this stretch, you’d get no argument from me for all are fun and scenic.

A view of the beautiful par-four 17th that naturally sweeps along the terrain to the left.

As you finish your round and return to the confines of the friendly, but modest clubhouse area, you no doubt will agree with me. Bob Fagan was right after all; Puakea is one friendly gem of a golf course that gets better as you progress – a really enjoyable golf experience, and a bargain that you want to share with others!

The beautiful little 16th at Kauai Lagoons is one of the world’s most diabolical and testing short par-fours – an all or nothing hole!

Having first played Kauai Lagoons in 1993 and revisiting it in April, 2012, I continue to be slightly perplexed as to why this remarkable resort course built in 1987 by Jack Nicklaus is not on the tips of everyone’s tongues when it comes to great places to play. It should be.

The first hole is a pleasant “get you out of the box” opener and it only gets better!

There is little in the benign first hole of the Kiele Mauka (Mountain) Nine (the outgoing nine of the featured Course) that prepares you for the treat that awaits you. It is wide, flat, and attractive in a “resorty” sense, but not too testing. The second hole is another wide-open hole. Though generously bunkered to the right side, this hole is easily reachable by stronger hitter in two shots and not too much trouble for anyone else provided you stay left. With the next three holes, architect Jack Nicklaus ratchets up the challenge with two good par-fours and a great 219-yard par-three over the jungle followed by a “Cape Hole” tee shot over the jungle on the par-five 6^th (angled so you can cut off as much of the hole as you dare). (This four-hole stretch is referred to as Kauai Lagoon’s “Amen Corner.”)  Once you experience the 169-yard 8^th with the pond to the right and the manicured grassed banks and bunkers around it, you are mightily impressed.

With the forced carry at the par-three 5th (pictured from a forward tee), you know that the game is on!

Like the other prime Kauai golf properties, Kauai Lagoons spent an impressive sum in bringing Nicklaus back in 2010 for renovations that have already included the “new” Kiele Moana (Ocean) Nine which has been the concluding nine. (All three nines are to be renovated.) Like the Mauka Nine, the starting two holes of the more exposed open nine are less than impressive, but it only gets better and better. When you realize that you are about to face the longest continuous stretch of ocean holes in Hawaii with Jack Nicklaus the captain, that’s exciting.  He doesn’t disappoint.

 The par-three 14th may be the most spectacular hole on the golf course.

The well-bunkered 367-yard 12^th teases you to fire at the green, but the sage play is out to the right.  I understand that Nicklaus admires the short 10^th hole at Riviera with its angles and I’m just wondering if he didn’t incorporate a mirrored image bit of similar strategy with this hole. The next hole is a strong par-four that typifies this design – wide fairways with green sites that will challenge you to complete a good score.  Yes, Kauai Lagoons is a “approach shot” golf challenge. From here on in until you reach the plateau of the par-three 17^th tee, you have the ocean and the Nawiliwili Harbor to your left. Exciting shots and picturesque vista abound with the 331-yard sliver of a par-four 16^th being as diabolical a little hole as you will find – a drivable disaster in waiting. Even laying up off the tee does not guarantee a par!

Another view of the iconic par-four 16th. Here is the tiny green perched precariously above the water. What a memorable hole!

The course concludes with a strong finish that includes two peninsula green sites on holes usually playing directly into the prevailing trade winds in the midst of a 40-acre fresh water lagoon.

 Looking back down the tough par-four 18th hole from the green.

In total, Kauai Lagoons features one of the best sets of par-threes anywhere, let alone in Hawaii, spectacular oceanside play, and the conditioning of Kauai Lagoons is excellent.  When you add the friendly staff and well-appointed practice facilities, which include another player-friendly nine-hole course, it makes for quite an offering! Again, I wonder why more attention isn’t paid to this wonderful facility. Kauai Lagoons is a marvelous Nicklaus resort design, and a facility that you definitely MUST PLAY when visiting Kauai.

Below:  quietly one of the best holes is the downhill par-three 8th as seen from behind the putting surface. For me, this hole is reminiscent of the 12th at Augusta with its angled green, water, and rear bunker cut into the hillside – a gorgeous hole!

The sixth hole at The Prince with its classic bunkering, bowl-shaped fairway, and infinity green dropping off into the Pacific is one of my favorite par-fours anywhere!

If American Golf has a jungle beast of a golf course, it most certainly is The Prince Course on the north shore of Kauai. Featuring a rating/slope of 75.2/140, it is inspired by the lines of the classic courses of the Eastern United States with the tropical flair and setting that only Kauai can offer. Here you will encounter the game of outdoor chess and your crafty opponent is the course’s architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Should you the player try to ignore or overpower the strategy of Jones, you are in for a punishingly difficult day. This design will keep you thinking and with a number of holes not allowing the strong competent player to use their driver, it may well frustrate some. One thing for sure, The Prince is not your typical resort course that you will want to introduce a newcomer to the game; it is more of a “graduate school” variety test.

The par-four 1st hole into the jungle is a real challenge because though the fairway is very wide, it is angled and you must have the proper carry to take advantage of it. Again on the second shot, you had better not be short!

Unlike its sister course, the 27-hole Makai Golf Club, The Prince is not the “ocean course” that you might presume. It does not really visit the ocean though it is very visible beyond the 6^th green and aside the 7^th tee, and then the ocean is simply a distant landscape and not a golfing hazard.  Never mind that, for The Prince is still a feast for the eyes.  It is “roley poley jungle golf” bordered on its perimeter by holes higher in elevation. While you always feel the presence of the Pacific, the serrated mountain peaks and colorful fields leading up to them spell just as striking and perhaps a more uniquely striking backdrop. Either way, it all makes for a magnificent canvas!

This is not just a faraway vista shot, but rather the view from the back tee of the par-three 7th hole. Jones provides an angled bail-out area to the right, but this hole can be a Driver when the wind blows!

The Prince recently underwent considerable renovations with architect Jones introducing seaside paspalum grass and recontouring some fairways to be more accepting.  Management also wisely cleared out the ever-encroaching jungle to reveal the magnificent vistas that greet you anywhere on the course. The course and the environment are so spectacular that even a non-golfer will be amazed with all the wildlife and interesting features that grace the holes. (In fact, management is now considering an I-Pad guided tour for non-golfers.)

Robert Trent Jones, Jr. has called this 15th hole the best par-five he ever built. Shown here is the second shot with the green perched by the edge of the ravine just to the right of the bunker in the background.

Critics may say that the layout is too tough and that the starting holes are too disjointed, but this is not cookie-cutter golf. Jones likes you to play his game of outdoor chess. He will introduce both blatant and ever so subtle strategies/challenges before you.  Ignore them and the elements, and your score will suffer. While this is a very demanding golf course, it is not because of its length, but rather the penal consequences of wayward hits or misguided strategy. Actually many landing areas are quite wide provided you elect to play to them.

The downhill par-four 12th is one of the most gorgeous holes anywhere from any perspective. 

The genius of Jones and his routing was to play into the middle or interior valleys of this expansive jungle property. I count the par-fours at twelve and thirteen in the valley among the most spectacular in the game and I agree with Jones that his par-five fifteenth is among the best he has ever built. My other favorite is the par-four sixth hole that features a classically well-bunkered infinity green site that appears to fall off into the ocean beyond. And of course, there is the spectacular par-three 7^th with its head-twisting views and daunting carry. And for fun, the par-five 10th shaped like a question mark can actually be hit in two with two very well-placed shots, but it also requires a bit or daring, particularly for the shorter hitters. You see, The Prince is as much about strategy as it is about shot-making. Even with many ample fairways, my advice is to secure your spot safely in the short grass before becoming aggressive though many will be tempted to swing away, given the apparent expansiveness.

Looking down on the 13th green in the low jungle portion of the course features splendid scenery and challenges.

The Prince Course also has a magnificent clubhouse and views to match. When you add a complete practice area and superb service, this is a course that every accomplished golfer must play!

Below is the about a 230-yard approach over the edge of a jungle ravine to the par-five 10th – the “Question Mark Hole.”

Below is the approach/green site of one of the “upper holes,” the par-five 4th hole.

This is a true story. Many years ago the Viceroy of Naples, Italy, the Duke of Assuna, was making a visit to a ship filled with convicts enslaved pulling the ship’s oars. He summoned each prisoner to ask them what they were doing there. He began to hear a litany of tragic stories.

One man relayed how the presiding judge was bribed to find against him, another told of being framed, and yet another spoke of being betrayed by his best friend. The stories went on. Finally, one man told the Duke, “I’m here because I deserve to be. I wanted money and stole a purse, and I deserve what I now suffer.” The Duke was astonished and said to the ship’s Captain, “Here are all these men who are innocent, who are here by unjust cause, and here is this wicked man in the middle of them. Release him so that he does not infect the others!” The man who had confessed his wrong was then set free and pardoned, while those who continued to excuse themselves went back to their enslavement.

Even today, the same thing happens to us. We make some error of sorts and then we go through life trying to excuse ourselves for it, rather than accepting that we merely goofed. We blame someone else or perhaps the circumstances instead of taking full accountability. Wouldn’t it be better to realize and say that “I have full control over my life and am the only one who has any power over my mind and thoughts, and where I am this very moment is the sum total of all my thoughts and decisions.” The moment we reach this truth, we free ourselves up from our self-imposed slavery, and become free to live the life that was ours all along.

Review your own path. Recognize the growing and learning process. Don’t be harsh on yourself for any mistakes you feel you have made, but do own up to them. Learn to forgive and love yourself, for God or source energy does. This all begins with awakening and forgiving, and taking responsibility for your past, present, and future. When you truly realize and stand in your own power, you also will realize you can co-create the life of your thoughts. May they be loving ones!

What does your strategic plan look like?

Every successful business has a strategic plan. You should too!

A strategic plan focuses upon where an entity wants to be or become at some point in the future. It may include many hidden, but mission-critical destinations that the public may not care about or even notice, but will be readily apparent if not attended to. Those businesses or people with no plan attract nothing in particular and are typically buffeted around by whatever winds are blowing. Would you set sail with no destination port in mind? If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up nowhere.

Having long helped businesses succeed to now assisting individuals realize fulfillment and significance, I can share with you that the tools and processes are essentially the same. It’s just as important that you keep your heart tidy and functioning as it is for a business to keep their activities coordinated. What are your dreams? It’s not about ‘how,’ but the ‘what’ that this strategic plan includes.

A good way to start this process is to record your most cherished values and priorities, and then to lock into them continually by reviewing them as you wake up each day. The emotions and intensity that you follow them will determine your ‘success.’

Yes, it takes time to gather yourself in doing this, but the dividends are so fantastic! And don’t obsess with how you might accomplish these goals. Just remember that like any forward-moving business, you should take the time to quiet themselves and consciously reflect and focus upon what you truly want in your life. Then give up control and become aware, and allow the Universe to direct you. Enjoy the journey!