Kaua'i News and Notes: Golf Courses Unveil New Family and Beginner Golfer Programs

(KAUA'I, Hawaii) - The Kaua'i Visitors Bureau co-operative - Kaua'i: Discover Golf's Ultimate Island Green (www.gohawaii.com/kauai/experiences/golf) - announces family and beginner-friendly options at its award-winning courses, available through the fall and winter months.

To wit:

" Princeville Makai Golf Club is the first course in Hawaii to offer the EZeeGolf Program, providing an introduction to the game without the player having to swing a club on longer shots. Using a specially designed club, players determine yardages and pull a trigger so the ball is automatically struck. Golfers use traditional clubs for shorter shots, such as putting and chipping. The $200 cost per player includes a 45-minute introduction and clinic, all of the necessary clubs, nine holes of golf and a caddie. The course hosts "EZee Mondays" every week at 3:30 p.m., including rental clubs, short-game clinic and orientation and three holes of golf for $99. For more information, or tee times for EZee Golf, call 808.651.8175.

" Kaua'i Lagoons Golf Club offers free golf for kids ages 6 to 17 anytime on the Waikahe Nine when accompanied by a paying adult (one free kid per paying adult). The club is also stages 60-minute golf clinics Monday-Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for $30 per player, with a different aspect of the game is covered each day. Openings are limited and reservations are recommended. To book tee times or to reserve a spot in a clinic, call 1.800.634.6400.

" Poipu Bay Golf Course presents a "Practice & Play" program allowing golfers to practice at the range and play the first three holes any day, starting with a check-in between 3 and 4 p.m. for $25. The course's opening holes include a par 4, 5 and 3, making for a well-rounded practice session. The fee includes cart and range balls. The practice range is open until 5 p.m. For more information or tee times, call 1.800.858.6300.

For more information about golf on Kaua'i, "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KauaiGolf, visit www.gohawaii.com/kauai/experiences/golf or call 800.262.1400.

Puakea Golf Course 'Named Best in Kaua'i;' Offering New Green Fee Special

Puakea Golf Course - the local gem featuring dramatic views of Mt. Hauupu - has garnered "Best in Kaua'i" accolades in the golf course category by This Week Kaua'i magazine.

Conveniently located just minutes from Lihue Airport, Puakea Golf Course has previously been ranked as one of the top courses in the state by both Golfweek and Hawaii Magazine. The Robin Nelson design plays through deep ravines, crosses mountain-fed streams and reveals sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Through Jan. 31, 2014, golfers receive 30 percent off the regular green fee with a special $59 rate after 11 a.m., including cart. There is also a $35 nine-hole rate available any day, all day.

For tee times, or more information, call 808.245.8756.

Prince Course at Princeville's Restaurant Honored by GOLF Magazine

The Tavern at Princeville, the restaurant located inside the clubhouse at the Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club, was recognized by GOLF Magazine as one of the "Best 19th Holes" in the world.

One of renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi's newer venues, The Tavern was the lone Hawaii restaurant on the list, which honored 19 locations across the globe, including those at iconic courses such as Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and Pinehurst.

The Tavern overlooks The Prince Course, ranked the No. 1 course in Hawaii, with panoramic views from Mt. Namolokama to the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant features a casual atmosphere and utilizes fresh ingredients from an on-site organic permaculture garden. Menu items range from grilled rib eye steak and shrimp scampi to fried chicken and mac and cheese. The Tavern opened in 2011 as part of a massive renovation project at The Prince Course that restored original design concepts and improved playability for all skill levels.

For reservations call 808.826.8700 or for tee times at The Prince Course call 800.826.1105.