We Tried It: Glow Golf at Olomana Golf Links

Photo: Calvin Alonzo

When we heard that Olomana Golf Links in Waimānalo would be introducing Glow Golf in January, we immediately said, let’s go! Then we remembered that no one on our staff actually golfs, save for the occasional putt-putt game. So we did the next best thing and recruited a friend of the mag (someone who hits the links regularly) to try it out on our behalf. Here’s how it went:

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Our Golfer:

Calvin, who was joined by his 17-year-old daughter, a golf novice. “I’ve been a golfer for about seven years. In golf terms, I am a 15 handicap. In layman’s terms, I am your typical weekend warrior, meaning I really only ever have time to play on the weekends. I typically golf once a week. I go to the driving range about once every other week.”

When:

Glow Golf is available Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. We went at 6 p.m. on a Friday for a two-hour session.

The Price:

On Thursday, the special price is $35 per hour. All other days, $50 gets you an hourlong session at an individual bay, which can host up to six people. It also includes 70 glow balls. Additional baskets are $10 to $20, depending on size.

The Vibe:

“The environment was raucous and festive—it felt like a club. There was music coming through the PA and occasionally, a DJ would get on the mic to hype up the crowd.”

The Setup:

Out on the range area, glowing targets are staggered at various distances. You can use the Toptracer system to set up virtual games or competitions between multiple players.

The Bays:

“The bay was huge—larger than most driving range bays I’ve been to. Each has its own flat-screen TV, which displays the virtual games being played. It also had a full-size picnic table for dining. The best part is that the entire area is covered.”

The Clubs:

Our golfer brought his own, but the range has a variety of clubs than you can use for free.

The Games:

“We especially enjoyed the Closest to the Pin game. Another fun game was Angry Birds, which is based on the popular video game. The goal was to knock down the structures presented on the game screen. To do so required shots of specific distances and directions.”

The Menu:

Eats include sliders, nachos, veggie skewers, chili dogs and veggie pizza. “The best thing I had was the caprese salad bites.” And the drink menu runs the gamut from beer and hard seltzers to soju, wine and cocktails.

Overall:

“Wonderful staff, great hospitality. Fun family environment.”

Tips:

• Snag your bay early. The Friday we were there, the range was fully booked, so you’ll want to reserve your spot online ahead of time.
• Save serious driving range practice for the daytime or non-Glow Golf evenings—Sundays through Wednesdays. The Glow Golf lighting makes it a little tricky to see club heads, and the loud music maybe distracting for some.
• Go for a great time, and don’t worry about lack of experience. “Go for the entertainment of it. The camaraderie and family bonding time were the highlights of the evening, even with someone such as my daughter, who has no golfing experience at all. In fact, that made it more fun in many ways.”

Olomana Golf Links, 41-1801 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Waimānalo, (808) 259-7926, olomanalinks.com, @olomana.golflinks

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