We couldn't have asked for better weather for the first round at the Challenge at Manele. The only problem was the weather was TOO good - it was downright distracting! It's a relatively short course with a lot of undulating fairways. But I mean, geez....look at it. How can anyone focus? It's so beautiful! We girls play FAST; while we're considered high handicappers, at least we aren't holding up anyone. We finished around 1:30, then had just about an hour to pack up, and catch the shuttle back to the hotel, then another shuttle back up to Koele.We finally teed off at Koele around 2:30, but that's where it gets interesting. It was COLD, and I mean really cold. There was probably a 15-20 degree drop between courses. I wasn't ready for it to be that cold. The course sits at about 1,600 feet elevation, so I should've brought something more than a light jacket. Also...there was hardly any food. Turns out the beverage cart finished its rounds around 3, so we were two really hungry girls. At the turn, we asked for food, but they said they had none, but we could take the cart to the nearby Lodge at Koele...but again, no food to be found - just chips at the gift shop. Oh boy! We persevered and went back to play almost a blitz 3-hour round. AND of course, loved the signature #17 hole at Koele. Gorgeous par 4 with about a 150-foot drop from the ladies' tee.
All in all, a day to truly remember. Of course, two days after we return, Hawaiian Airlines announced it will start flying to Lāna‘i soon. Guess that means a return trip is in store....lucky me!
