Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 1
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 1
The first hole on the Prince Golf Course at Princeville might be the hardest opener in the Hawaiian islands. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 6
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 6
The sixth hole on the Prince Golf Course at Princeville heads toward the ocean. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 7
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 7
A scary tee shot greets those on the seventh tee of the Prince Golf Course at Princeville. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 12
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 12
It's a narrow corridor through the jungle on the 12th hole of the Prince Golf Course at Princeville. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - scenery
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - scenery
Some of the vistas on the Prince Golf Course at Princeville are spectacular. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 14
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 14
The par-3 14th hole on the Prince Golf Course at Princeville plays uphill. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 13
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 13
A natural waterfall creates a dramatic moment near the 13th green of the Prince Golf Course at Princeville. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 15
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 15
The 15th hole on the Prince Golf Course at Princeville plays like a short, risk-reward par 5. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - clubhouse and range
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - clubhouse and range
The sprawling clubhouse of the Prince Golf Course at Princeville overlooks its fantastic renovated driving range. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 13
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville - hole 13
The Prince Golf Course at Princeville is one of Hawaii's most unique golf experiences. Courtesy of Prince G.C.
Prince Golf Course at Princeville
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Prince Golf Course at Princeville
The Prince Golf Course at Princeville is the highest-ranked course on Kauai. Courtesy of Prince G.C.
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Feel like a king playing the Prince Golf Course at Princeville on Kauai

PRINCEVILLE, Kauai, Hawaii -- A $5 million facelift has the iconic Prince Golf Course at Princeville on Kauai's north shore looking brand new.

The extensive refurbishment project finished in 2012 added tee boxes, rebuilt bunkers and covered all the greens with eco-friendly seashore paspalum while enhancing playability in certain areas. The rejuvenated 13-acre practice area centers around a beautiful driving range that transforms into a six-hole par-3 course in the late afternoons. The "Mini Prince" -- designed for beginners and families to walk -- features holes ranging from 65 to 91 yards.

It's the perfect complement to the big course, a beautiful brute that ranks no. 22 on Golf Digest's list of "America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses." The Prince, arguably the best work of Robert Trent Jones Jr., rises and falls through the jungle, demanding strong shot-making and wise decisions to get around without losing too many balls. Ocean views and a waterfall behind the 13th green provide striking natural beauty.

The 66,000-square-foot clubhouse is just as magnificent with floor-to-ceiling windows and The Tavern Restaurant by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,100 courses and written about golf destinations in 25 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
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Feel like a king playing the Prince Golf Course at Princeville on Kauai