Each year the best golfers on the PGA Tour start the year off at the Plantation Course at Kapalua. The Mercedes-Benz Championship is the start of the season and winners from the previous year converge to battle under the tropical sun. The Plantation golf course is very long and measures over 7,400 yards from the back tee - a remarkable distance considering the wet climate.

The Kapalua Resort is located on the island of Maui and has some of the most breathtaking views on any of the islands. Standing on the first tee players can look down over the landscape and see the pacific ocean looming in the distance. This is truly a sight to behold and definitely a photo opportunity. The 1st hole is a long par-4 that plays 520 yards from the tournament tees, but don't let this yardage fool you - the hole plays downhill. The best target off this tee is down the right-hand side with a little draw.

Be sure not to hit the ball too far on this hole as there is a slope in the fairway that can make the approach shot tough from a side hill lie. Check the yardage book to lay up just short of this swell. The approach shot to the green should be played with a long to mid iron, but once again the hole plays downhill to the green. This is a large, undulating green and you need to be cautious about where the pin is located. One of the tricky things about this golf course are the greens. The combination of Bermuda grass and severe slopes can make for a difficult day on the greens.

Playing golf in Hawaii is different that playing in most places across the country. The grass they use on the golf courses here has subtle movements and reacts differently than other types of grass. Putting in the islands can take a little getting used to, especially if you live in an area that uses mostly bent or rye grasses.

The 17th and 18th holes on this golf course make for a very memorable finish. Both holes are long but play downhill and have greens that are protected in front by large canyons filled with thick grass. The 18th hole is a long par-5 that plays 663 yards from the farthest tee. Like most long holes at the Plantation Course, this hole plays very much downhill and, depending on the time of year, the fairway is firm to give the player added roll. Generally the wind is blowing from behind and a large slope on the right side of the fairway can give added yardage off the tee.

Although this hole is long, many players have the opportunity to reach this green in two shots. From the tee players will want to aim down the right side of the fairway - this will take advantage of the slope in the fairway and give the player extra roll. Depending on how far down the fairway you hit the ball, you might have a chance to go after the green in two shots.

The left side of this green is not the place to be, there are bunkers and a canyon that guard this side. Any shot hit here will stand little chance of being hit, let alone found. If you are going to try for the green in two, hit your ball toward the right side of the green. The ground slopes from right to left and the ball should kick onto the green from this side. The best place to miss the ball is to the right, but the green slopes severely from right to left and can be fast. Chipping around this green can be a challenge depending on your lie and the location of the pin.

This golf course was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore who have really used the land to its fullest potential. They have created a golf course that is both fair and visually stunning. There are not very many places in the world where the environment and the golf course blend so seamlessly together. The unique climate and terrain of Maui have allowed these architects to build holes that would not be possible, or fair, in other parts of the world.

From the moment you step onto the grounds of the Kapalua Resort you are treated like a king. Both the Plantation Course and the Bay Course are worth the trip to this island paradise. If you have never visited Maui you might want to consider it on your next trip. There are so many things to see and do on this island.