Control pace from 3 to 20 feet, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Puakea Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
16
16 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
77
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
Puakea Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Puakea, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Puakea
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Around the Hole: 8 Ball Circle, 4/8
Make 4 out of 8 putts from [6 ft | 2 m], 5 times in total.
Bump-n-Run | Fairway | Flat
Hit bump-n-run two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the flat fairway.
Driver | L-R and R-L 9 Targets
Hit 5 balls to each randomly selected target while producing left-to-right and right-to-left shots, using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts using an alignment mirror.
Single Tee, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts
Driver | Ladder Challenge
Complete the Ladder Challenge using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Puakea.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
danu@puakeagolf.com
Giving lessons at Puakea Golf Club? Get featured here.
Facilities
Location
4150 Nuhou Road
Course Description
Puakea Golf Course is a scenic golf facility located in Lihue, Hawaii. The course is known for its dramatic ravines, pali and ocean views, offering a diverse set of holes that challenge players with varied terrain. The site also features Puakea Grill and a blog for news and updates about Kauai golf, making it a regional destination for both play and dining experiences.
golf course hawaii • kauai golf • kauai golf course • ragged ravine holes • pali views • ocean views golf • golf course architecture • beginner's guide • player's guide • kauai travel golf • puakea grill • golf dining kauai • kauai golf blog • golf course design • coastal golf • island golf • hawaii golf destination • golf course near lihue • kauai hole challenges
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Architect
Robin Nelson
Opened
1997
Google Reviews
Puakea Golf Club Social Media Presence
Interested in our comprehensive dataset of 40,000 golf courses? Contact us to learn more.
Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Puakea
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 16 Programs
% match to course practice profileJudge distance carefully, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Aim for soft landing, for a 19-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Vary landing spot, for a 13-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
13 Week Flagship Program for Puakea
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Puakea. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 13 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink More Putts Accurately
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Make All 6 Ft Putts
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 1.0
Short Game · Chip
Chip 5–15 Yds From Fringe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Pitch
Pitch 15–25 Yds From Fringe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Turn Tough Lies into Easy Pars
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 25.0
Short Game · Sand
Can you fly it out and stop it close?
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 19.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Control 3-Wood Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Control 3-Wood Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Control Long Iron Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Master driver length, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Avoid trouble spots, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedStop 2 feet away, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Stop near the hole, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Turn lies into pars, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Land close to pin, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Challenge limits, for a 20-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Control 3-wood roll, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Build drive streaks, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Stop missing greens, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Hit within 2-4 yards, for a 9-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Control 3-wood dispersion, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Puakea
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Puakea
Get answers to common questions about playing Puakea and what to expect.
How difficult is Puakea for mid-handicap golfers?
Puakea is regarded as a strategically complex layout. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Puakea?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Puakea?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Puakea and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is Puakea and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Puakea strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
Nearby Courses
Practice Programs for Nearby Courses
Explore practice programs for courses near Puakea. These programs are designed to help you prepare for your next round.
Wailua Golf Course
Lihue, HI
Poipu Bay Golf Course
Koloa, HI
Kiahuna Golf Club - Kiahuna
Poipu, Hawaii
Kukui'ula Golf Course - Kukui'ula
Koloa, Hawaii
Kukuiolono Golf Course
Kalaheo, HI
Kukuiolono Golf Course - Kukuiolono
Kalaheo, Hawaii
Princeville Golf & Country Club - Prince Course
Princeville, HI
Makai Golf Club at Princeville - Ocean/Woods
Princeville, Hawaii
Makai Golf Club at Princeville - Makai
Princeville, Hawaii
Same Architect
Courses by Robin Nelson
Explore other courses designed by Robin Nelson. These courses share similar design philosophies and architectural features.
Ravenwood Golf Club
Ravenwood Golf Club
Hermitage, TN
Macquarie Links Golf Club
Macquarie Links Golf Club
Macquarie Links, NSW
Mare Island Gc
Mare Island Gc
Vallejo, CA
Dragon At Nakoma Gr
Dragon At Nakoma Gr
Clio, CA
Royal Kunia Country Club
Royal Kunia Country Club
Waipahu, HI
Maui Lani, The Dunes At
Maui Lani, The Dunes At
Kahului, HI

