Ride the wind at Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai in Hawaii
KOLOA, Kauai, Hawaii -- The PGA Grand Slam of Golf moved on years ago, but Poipu Bay Golf Course still proudly holds onto its legacy as, arguably, the most successful host of the event.
The Grand Slam brings together the season's four major winners for a two-day shootout every fall. Poipu Bay hosted from 1994-2006, basking in the spotlight brought by an electric Tiger Woods, who won it seven times, and magical Phil Mickelson, who shot a 59 on the final day to win in 2004.
Poipu Bay, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design next to the excellent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, climaxes with holes 15-17 along a 150-foot sea cliff. A greens renovation added seashore paspalum in 2011, ensuring good conditions year round. Trade winds might blow your score out of bounds, but all that scenery, followed by drinks and the excellent food served at the clubhouse, should ease the pain. In 2013 Golfweek ranked Poipu Bay ninth among the top golf courses in Hawaii.