It’s more than possible that there’s a tougher golf course than the Ko’olau Golf Club on Oahu. It’s possible. It could happen.

It’ll be on Jupiter. Maybe Neptune. Or Rigel 4. Perhaps Romulus.

The Romulans look as if they’re up to a challenge. Not only is the Ko’olau Golf Club the most challenging—it may be the world’s most beautiful.

The Ko’olau mountain range is one of two mountain ranges running the length of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

That’s the backdrop setting for Ko’olau Golf Club. It’s literally carved out of a tropical rain forest. There’s 2,000 feet of Ko’olau Ridge above.

“This is a jungle course without the Lions, Tigers, and Bears—but with all the Oh My! you could ask for.”Three different climates. Elevation changes you’ve not seen anywhere. Except Tibet or Nepal. Breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls will take your attention away from your shot faster than than Tom Cruise dumped Nicole Kidman for a cruise on another Cruz.

This is a jungle course without the Lions, Tigers, and Bears—but with all the Oh My! you could ask for.

Challenging? They’re proud of it. The Ko’olau Golf Course tourist brochure bills the course as “The World’s Most Challenging Golf Course.”

Besides the stunning view of the Ko’olau Mountain Range to the back and the unforgettable view of Kaneohe Bay toward the ocean, there’s some math that sets this course apart from others.

This 11 year old course has four tees. Black, Gold, Blue, and White.

Black is Tournament level at 7, 310 yards with a 76.4 rating on a slope of 162. Whoa. Add that to the 20 mph to 40 mph winds which gust every which way except where your ball went—and you’ve got more strokes per hole than… well, use your imagination.

Gold is Championship. Let’s just say it’s not as tough as Black. Neither is the Blue ‘Resort’ or White ‘Handicap’ tees.

“You need a few things on this course that you normally wouldn’t take to other golf courses—a camera.”Let’s face it. You need a few things on this course that you normally wouldn’t take to other golf courses—a camera (for the stunning view of mountains and ocean)—extra balls (which you’ll need to keep playing; trust me).

Interestingly, Ko’olau Golf Club has a web site that’ll fill in all the details for you. Just as interestingly is the fact that there’s no name listed in the spot where Course Record goes. What’s that tell you?

Dick Nugent designed the course; built in 1992. Yes, there’s a Club House, practice facilities. You can get lessons, hold weddings and events—even dine at the Club House. The web site even lists Tee Times.

But no one is willing to put their name out there for owning the Course Record.

I don’t know. Maybe no one has broken par yet.

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