Alice's Course.

Mention Alice Cooper, and the first image that comes to most people's minds is of an outrageous rock 'n roller who has put out 26 albums in a career that spans three decades. Known for his wild attire and off-the-wall concert acts, he would seem to be the last person any sane soul would associate with golf. But the man is as fanatical about that game as he is about music.

"I've been teeing it up for 20 years," says Cooper, who now carries a six handicap and serves as a spokesman for Callaway Golf. "I started when I quit drinking and took up golf as a sort of substitute. I played 36 holes a day, and it ate up the time I would have otherwise been sitting in front of my TV drinking. It was part of my therapy."

Not surprising for a man of his celebrity, Cooper can play pretty much anywhere he likes, thanks most of the time to the network of Callaway sales representatives who help him get on the best tracks when he is on the road. "And when I am home, I have almost 300 courses to choose from," says the Scottsdale, AZ, resident. "It's such a great spot for golf, and I never get bored of playing there."

All of which makes it tough for him to pick a favorite hole. "But if I really have to, I'd select the 10th on the South course at the Makena Resort on Maui," he says. "It's a beautiful par-five with water down the right side, and it totally tempts you to go for it in two every single rime. It makes you think, 'I'm a big hitter, I can go down the left.' But you usually have a nice Hawaiian breeze in your face, and what looks like a 200-yard second shot actually plays 240--all of which means you really have to hit it. Frankly, I know I'd usually be better off just hitting a seven iron and getting myself in good position for the approach, because par is a very good score there. But I am so often tempted to try and get on in two."

Cooper has gone to Makena once a year for the past two decades and says he's made it onto the 10th in two on a couple of occasions. "I even eagled it once, making it on with my Divine Nine wood with the wind at my back. And that was a magical day."

The musician chuckles at the thought of that great moment. "Actually, every day I play golf is a magical day," he says. "And the game is so cool right now. Fifteen years ago I was a closet golfer, and my manager didn't want me to be seen as one. He thought golf would be bad for my image, and I had to go our to the course in disguise."

"But now," Cooper adds, "golf is rock and roll."

John Steinbreder is a senior writer for Golf Week and Golf and Travel magazines and is the author of five books, including Golf Courses of the U.S. Open.

ALICE COOPER CEO, NIGHTMARE, INC.

TRASH TOURS, INC.

Makena Resort, South Course

Location: Maui. HI

Hole: 10th. par five. 514 yards from the tournament tees, 489 from the championship markers and 468 yards from the resort tees.

Hole Description: The tees are slightly elevated, and the first thing that gets most golfers attention is a take that runs down the right side. Bunkers on the left prevent you from bailing out completely on your drive, and if you hit a good one, you have about 200 yards to a large but shallow green that is fronted by another take and also guarded by bunkers to the right. So you don't have much room for error. The smarter play is usually hit a short iron down the right side for your second shot, which would leave you with a wedge to the green for your third--and a much better chance at par.

Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Club Description: The Makena Resort opened in 1982 and is set on 2.400 mostly undeveloped acres that used to he part of an old ranch. In addition to two golf courses, both of which are designed by Trent Jones and have lots of ravines and crevices, there's a 310-room hotel and a number of private homes, as well as tennis courts, beaches, and stables. The courses are open to the public, though resort guests and property owners have reduced rates and preferred tee times. The views are spectacular, the terrain rugged and somewhat arid, and the dormant Haleakala Volcano looms high in the background. And there's even a winery just above the property.