Cheaper for Locals: Golf Subsidy Program Tees Off Jan. 3

Get your game on at a reduced rate.

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced the start of the county’s West Hawai‘i Golf Subsidy program beginning Jan. 3. The program offers county-subsidized golf opportunities at Waikoloa Village Golf Course and Mākālei Golf Club through June 30. All residents of the County of Hawai‘i are eligible for golf rounds at reduced rates.

Hawai‘i County residents qualify to play an 18-hole round of golf, inclusive of golf cart usage, for $40; residents 60 years of age or older are eligible for the same privilege at $35 (senior rate). Residents under the age of 18 will pay $20 (junior rate). Rates apply to all tee times beginning at 7 a.m. up until 60 minutes before sunset, regardless of the time of day, day of the week, or holidays.

Through this program, the first 833 rounds of golf at Waikoloa Village Golf Course and the first 1,200 rounds of golf at Mākālei Golf Club played by qualified Hawai‘i County residents in each calendar month will receive discounted rates. Once the number of discounted rounds is exhausted at each course in each calendar month, the respective golf course may revert to a rate schedule of their own determination until the count resets on the first of the following month.

To qualify for the Hawai‘i County resident rate, individuals must present a valid Hawai‘i driver’s license or Hawai‘i State identification card at the time of check-in for payment and play. In addition, all golfers must provide their full name and home address at the time of check-in to qualify for the reduced rates.

To qualify for the junior rate (if the individual does not possess a Hawai‘i driver’s license or Hawai‘i State ID card), he or she must provide the following at the time of check-in: (1) a student ID card and a document proving their date of birth, or (2) a student ID card and a document that includes their photo and date of birth, or (3) be accompanied to the course by a parent of family member older than 18 years of age, and provide their birth certificate.

As a requirement of this program, Hawai‘i County residents shall be afforded the same opportunities, services, equipment, and enjoyment of the golf course and amenities as golfers who pay full or unsubsidized rates for rounds of golf. There is no limitation on how many subsidized rounds any individual may play.

• Waikoloa Village Golf Course is located at 68-1792 Melia Street, Waikoloa 96738. Call
  883-9621 for questions and tee time availability.
• Makalei Golf Course is located at 72-3890 Hawai‘i Belt Road, Kailua-Kona 96740. Call
  325-6625 for questions and tee time availability.
• For questions specific to the subsidy program or for issues that arise during play that the
  respective golf course’s management cannot resolve, contact the Department of Parks
  and Recreation at 961-8311.