The ER Life and The Ocean Course at Hokuala

Many ER docs develop a habit of leaving town when they are off work. It is just part of the ER life. That is the only way to ensure that we won’t get called in for an additional shift. Also it allows us to escape the mental madness of our jobs. Playing the Ocean Course at Hokuala in Kauai provided a perfect mental escape for me in November.

The ER Life

One problem being an ER Doctor is that it is not easy to call in sick. You can’t just shut down an ER for a day. Someone has to work the shift. If you work in a big ER then you have plenty of co-workers to help cover you in case of an emergency (accident, family death, birth of a child, etc). If you work in a small ER then there are only a few other doctors who can help you out (one of which just worked the night shift and needs sleep). Have the flu? You go into work. Last nights dinner coming out both ends? You go into work.

People (I would have said friends but I don’t want to make any brash assumptions) make fun of me for how much time I spend planning vacations. Regardless of what others say, getting away has become a necessity for me. The need to get away is one of the perks but also downsides of the ER life. Some of our vacations are lavish. Most are just a 2-4 hour trip to a bigger city. I plan vacations because If I don’t leave town then inevitability I get called into work.

Hawaii is for Golf

People say I go to Hawaii too much. I don’t think I go to Hawaii enough. Go play golf in Hawaii and you’ll never want to leave. If you don’t golf then you have no business going to Hawaii. No offense. None taken. I can’t think of anything more relaxing in life than watching ocean waves in Hawaii…from the golf course.

Next to the airport in Lihue, on the island of Kauai, is one of the most beautiful golf courses you will ever play. A few months ago I played The Ocean Course at Hokuala. It is a Jack Nicklaus design and another must play course on The Garden Isle.

The Ocean Course at Hokuala Highlights

Dad and I played an afternoon round. After playing the day before at Poipu Bay Golf Course I wasn’t sure if we could match that experience. Neither of us were disappointed. The back nine has the most fantastic stretch of holes I have ever played. Here are my top three highlights from the round.

1. Huge Fairways
2. Jungle and Beach
3. Incredible Ocean Views

Huge Fairways

This course had much wider fairways then I expected for a Jack Nicklaus design. Most other Jack Nicklaus courses I’ve played have narrow fairways with danger in both directions.

This was my type of course. The fairways were so wide I rarely had to worry about an errant drive. Jack tightened the fairways some with well placed bunkers which I occasionally found, but no O.B. for me during the round. Even the most novice golfer will appreciate these wide fairways.

Jungle & Beach

The front nine felt like a golf course carved out of a Jurassic Park jungle. The movie was actually filmed on Kauai. After weaving through the front nine jungle you finally get to see the ocean on the back nine. The front nine was spectacular, but the back nine definitely defined the round for me.

Incredible Ocean Views

Holes 13-18 at The Ocean Course at Hokuala are probably the most impressive stretch of holes that I have ever played. The front nine was fun, but I was not blown away by it. The back nine however was unreal and the reason I will be going back to play again someday.

The Food

People pay big money for my opinion at work (that doesn’t mean they always like it). I feel like my opinion on golf and food is more valuable then my opinion on your health. Yet, nobody asks nor pays me for my opinion on these topics.

After your round of golf at Hokuala, go to Duke’s. Not the John Wayne golf course, but the restaurant.

Get the grilled Mahi Mahi and then the Hula Pie for Dessert.

The Hula Pie Life

It is tough to say that the ER life has been bad to me when you read my blog. I get to vacation, golf at places like The Ocean Course at Hokuala, and eat Hula Pie. People have a tendency to write about things that look glamorous. Overall I think I made a great decision by going into Emergency Medicine but it’s not without it’s difficulties. At some point I will write more about the day to day reality of my job. Until then, you’ll have to read my golf posts and stare at Hula Pie.

About the Author

I am a husband, father, ER doctor, and an avid golfer.  With a handicap of 3.0 I have a fairly legitimate claim to be among the Top 100 Physician Golfers in the United States.  You can read more about my story on my about page. Feel free to contact me or follow my sites on social media.