Watching the U.S. Open, playing Edgewood Tahoe, dreaming of golf in Hawaii

Watching the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on this Father’s Day Sunday got me to thinking about other great golf courses around the world and how they compare, which is what makes Pebble Beach so great.

One of those courses is Edgewood Tahoe in Stateline, Nev. While it isn’t on the ocean, it is on Lake Tahoe, which is pretty spectacular in its own right. Having just returned from there, I can tell you the scenery of the deep blue water surrounded by snow-capped mountains in June is awe-inspiring.

Another locale that’s prime for sensational views are the golf courses of Hawaii. In fact, the Sheraton Maui in Lahaina is offering a package it calls “Sunsational.” It includes five nights and four rounds on the world-famous Ka’anapali Kai and Royal Ka’anapali golf courses with unlimited same day play based on availability.

Both courses have the Pacific Ocean as their backdrops on many holes. Ka’anapali Kai is the easier of the two courses. Recently renovated by Robin Neslon, this 6,400-yard par-70 beauty once hosted the Golf Channel’s ladies “Big Break Ka’anapali.”

The Royal Course is a really good Robert Trent Jones design that played host to the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game. At nearly 7,000 yards, there are plenty of contoured greens and tough holes, including, the 449-yard 18th hugs a canal.

For more information on the Sunsational package at the Sheraton Maui, click here.