For last-minute and discount tee times, call Stand-by Golf (tel. 888/645-BOOK or 808/322-BOOK) between 7am and 11pm. Stand-by Golf offers discounted (10%-40% off), guaranteed tee times for same-day or next-day golfing.
If your game's a little rusty, head for the Swing Zone, 74-5562 Makala Blvd. (at Kuikuni Hwy., by the Old Airport Park), Kailua-Kona (tel. 808/329-6909). The driving range has 27 mats and 10 grass tee spaces, the practice putting green and chipping area is free with a bucket of balls (60 balls for $7 [for mat] or $9 [for grass]), and the pro shop sells limited supplies (rental clubs are available, too, for just $2.75 each or $11 a set). For $7, including a putter and a ball, you can play a round on the 18-hole, all-grass putting course built in the shape of the Big Island.
In addition to the courses listed here, I love the fabulous Hualalai Golf Course at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Unfortunately, it's open only to resort guests -- but for committed golfers, this Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course is reason enough to pay the sky-high rates.
Improve Your Golf Game in 2 1/2 Hours -- Darrin Gee's Spirit of Golf Academy, P.O. Box 2308, Kohala (tel. 866/GOLF-433 or 808/887-6800; www.spiritofgolfhawaii.com), has developed a program for the inner, mental game of golf that will improve your score in just 2 1/2 hours, whether you're a beginner or you've been swinging clubs for years. Unlike the majority of golf schools, which focus on the mechanics of the golf swing, for just $250 you will learn how to improve your mental game, using Gee's Seven Principles of Golf, which means learning how to increase your focus and concentration, how to relax under pressure, and how to play to your potential. The small clinics (four players to one instructor) are available at championship golf courses on the Big Island.
