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There is probably no other game in the history of leisure that has inspired as much enthusiasm, commitment and addiction than the ancient game of golf, even though it requires huge areas of finely kept fields for its setting and takes up so much time and effort each time you play. So, around the world, people are playing golf in almost every country (I'm prepared to accept there is probably no golf course in the mountainous Pyrenees state of Andorra) and certainly in every time zone and climate. With this widespread popularity, it is no surprise that on the island of maui golf is readily available for all classes of players. In this article I will report on how good, or bad, the playing is there.

First up, there are many courses to choose from. It's almost like a golfer is spoiled for choice on maui. The island is a comfortable size -- it's not big -- yet there are around 20 golf courses to tee off from. Several of them are world class courses, like the Kapalua, home to the mercedes Championship. Along the coast there are around 10 courses that have won awards from industry critics, each of them rated 3.5 stars or better. And yet, even though they are played heavily, and golfers flock to maui, tee times appear to be available for the casual visitor. (If any golf visitor can be casual!)

A definite plus in Maui's favor is the setting. The views from the fairways of Maui are breathtaking. picture yourself looking down long lush green lawns and out over a deep blue pacific ocean. The water and sky are deep blue. The sun beats down, and out across the bay, the thin white line of a distant reef marks the distant shore. Behind you rise the mountain slopes of Haleakal-a. No-one can fail to feel relaxed and inspired in surroundings like this.

The last decade or so has seen a marked increase in specialized golf vacations or holidays worldwide. This demand for travel which is centered around golf has led to the development of many luxury resorts which cater to golfers and feature integrated golf courses.

And so people do come for maui golf in fairly large numbers. The last 15 years or so has seen a jump in specialized golf vacations worldwide, and maui has received its share of this growing market. Courses are now catering for the golfer on vacation with luxurious course-side accommodation and with special features fitted into their fairways and greens.

maui golf is a mix of holiday and game, then. Without question, the courses are laid out in tropical setting that most of us from the mainland rarely get to walk through. So there is an enchanting quality about a game of golf in maui. But there are some very demanding, professional courses there, which will test your skill and extend your best game. I would recommend you get on the Internet and do some research on a golfing holiday in maui, as the physical setting will certainly enchant you and the courses will lift you game.

Len McGrane writes on Maui golf and golfing history. For further ideas on how to enjoy your golf on a maui holiday, Len recommends www.mauijackpotgolf.com as a possible starting point.