Norman and Robinson certainly found an attractive piece of property to work with; set on rolling property several hundred feet above sea level, the golfer rarely has a chance to experience such a setting in Hawaiian golf. Robinson, who has long been renowned for his intricate “water features” did not disappoint on that front either, with some spectacular waterfalls and hazards.

The course opened in 1990, and the course received immediate accolades as well as garnering immense coverage of the now famous 17^th hole alone – the signature 444-yard par four. The tee box is perched some 250 feet above the fairway and the drama of the hole enough to cause first-time players to pause and gawk at the scene. The elevation lends itself to a longer tee shot, but those who fail to pay heed to the trouble on the right side (one of the aforementioned water hazards, with a bunker on the inside) will leave no chance at securing par. While the thrill of the 17^th is immeasurable, the Experience at Koele provides plenty of drama long before the penultimate hole.

By the second hole, the golfer realizes that the course will not rest solely on the laurels of setting, with a 421-yard par four. Water guards the right side of the hole and two greenside bunkers – one front, the other back – provide protection from the approach, which plays slightly uphill.

The first par five – the 558-yard third – shows off the courses first waterfall and gives golfers their first realistic chance at birdie. The first two shots can take advantage of ample room to get in position for the third shot, to a green that is heavily defended. The water fall in front provides a visual distraction, but it also hugs the green and is mere steps from the back right pin. Leaving the ball below the hole with a short iron is the secret to stealing one back from par here.

While most dramatic par threes in Hawaii include forced carries over crashing surf, such as at the 12th at the Challenge at Manele, there is something striking about the beauty of the 220-yard par three fourth. The expansive views of the former pineapple fields in the distance give a scale to the course that is as beguiling as the dramatic 17^th. Three bunkers protect the green complex and given the holes length, there is a suitable opening on the front right side of the green to run a long shot in.

It is hard to imagine that Norman did not have input on the 308-yard 8^th hole. While only the ‘Great White Shark’ may have been able to drive the green when the course opened, the hole offers plenty of strategy for all ranges of players. The challenge of the hole is to position the tee shot in the fairway to allow the best approach to the pin. While a bunker guards the end of the fairway, rarely is the best shot played that far. Finding a level lie in the fairway will leave a short pitch over the water to the green with bunkers dotting the surroundings. While the approach may be shortest of the round, it is fraught with danger and must be judged carefully.

While the front nine occupies the lower portion of land, the back nine also lies on more rolling terrain. This change of pace is welcomed in the round and also provides golfer with a slightly stiffer test. No where more evident than the 571-yard 12^th hole, which plays uphill to a green set among a myriad of bunkers. Take advantage of the fairway width and avoid the bunkers to have a reasonable chance at par.

Obviously the 17^th is the show stopper that every golfer looks forward to with baited anticipation, but the stunning aesthetics of the hole will easily exceed one's preconceptions and expectations. Stop and get a picture in this amphitheater--a great souvenir for home--before performing the harrowing task of launching a drive straight enough from this elevated tee to hold its line and find the fairway. Even a slight draw or fade stays in the air for so long in can very easily carry into trouble.

While Koele was early in Norman ’s budding design career, many elements that have come to characterize the Shark’s designs can be found. The thrilling elements that fit Norman’s personality can be found in holes like eight and 17, as well as risk-reward holes that seemingly tease the golfer. However, while challenge is there, care was taken to cater to the resort guest who makes up the clientele at the Experience and the playability is the key that draws many guests back for more.