Golf - it's been around since the 1400's and although there is still some debate going on as to its origin, most people agree that golf as we know it today began in Scotland. In fact, the people were so enthusiastic about this new sport (along with soccer) that King James II, in an Act of Parliament, actually banned both sports in 1457. It seems the English were planning an invasion and the "golfers" were so busy practicing their drives and putts they had little time for archery practice, one of their main weapons of defense. Actually, most of the people ignored the ban but it wasn't until 1501 when it was actually lifted by King James IV, who just happened to enjoy the game himself. And the rest is history.

The first golf course in Hawaii was built on the island of Molokai in 1938, called Ironwood Hills Golf Club. It was not only the first but the only one on the island for nearly 40 years. Built to provide some recreation for the pineapple plantation's Scottish workers, it took only 3 months and until today retains a somewhat Scottish flare to it; a straightforward mountain course with no ponds and few doglegs.

Now there are over 80 golf courses on the islands so it is not surprising that Hawaii is home to 8 of the 25 top resort golf courses in the country (no state has more than 2). Or that the PGA Tour professionals ranked the state as their favorite place to visit (there are 5 major tournaments played in Hawaii). There are stunning golf courses carved out of black lava on the Big Island, fairways that follow the coastline, one built against the cliffs of the Ko'olau Mountains on Oahu, and another wandering over the lower slopes of Haleakala on Maui. They have been designed by some of the greatest golf designers in the world, such as Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Sr. & Jr., Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and so many more.

So why golf in Hawaii? Perhaps for the weather, almost perfect year round. Or the over 80 courses that offer every type of challenge any golfer would enjoy. Then again, perhaps it's simply the magic of the islands and the thrill of playing golf in the middle of the Pacific Ocean looking out to water so blue it almost hurts ones eyes, feeling the warm, scented trade winds and realizing that perhaps there really is a Paradise and your playing golf in it!