Poipu Bay Golf Course

I admit I was a little hesitant to shell out the big bucks to play an elite course like Poipu Bay. I am certainly nowhere close to being an elite golfer. But I have to admit the experience was well worth the green fees.

First of all, you are treated like a king (or a queen, for the ladies). Every interaction I had with the staff was over-the-top positive, helpful, and respectful. Poipu Bay has the customer experience down pat, no question.

Second, the clubhouse and course atmosphere was truly amazing. You feel like you are walking through hallowed grounds at every turn. After finishing my round I spent more than 20 minutes gushing over the pictures and displays in the clubhouse lobby. From 1994–2006, Poipu Bay hosted a 36-hole tournament called the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Tiger Woods was a dominant presence, of course, and his pictures were plastered all over the walls (he won the event for 7 consecutive years after all). But Phil Mickelson, John Daly, Ernie Els, Ben Crenshaw, Greg Norman, and others were also prominently featured, including scorecards, and signed 18th hole flags.

“That’s all great,” you might be thinking, but what about the actual golf? Well, it was fantastic. The fairways were wide, lush, and well kept. The greens had been aerated a few weeks before I played, but were still in relatively good shape,

I thought I would be completely overwhelmed by the course. But I wasn’t— at least for the first nine holes, which I played in the morning under relatively subdued wind conditions. Playing the back nine holes in the afternoon, however, was a much different experience. I’m not exactly sure what happened to my swing, but it deserted me when I needed it most — especially when trying to hit a 3 iron into the wind from 140 yards out!

Still, the beauty of the course by far made up for my lack of golfing prowess. The 15th through 18th holes were absolutely spectacular. The elevated tees overlooking the Pacific Ocean provide perfect views of paradise. Rest assured, regardless of how you are playing, you will have a huge smile on your face by the time you tap your final putt on the 18th. Highly recommended!

Excellent resort area golf course and experience. Helpful and friendly staff.nice pace of play.

Guess I got rather lucky playing on a flawless low to no wind day. Course was in great shape, greens running true at holeable speed. Range was top notch and every staff member I came in contact with was super nice and helpful. Can’t wait to play it again!

Only complaint is that the sand traps are missing one vital ingredient- no meaningful sand just red dirt packed down firmly.

Course was in great shape. 4 hr round. And saw a few whales!! Doesn’t get any better!!

What an amazing golf course! Winding up and down the coastline, spectacular views and winds that test your game.. Course was in great shape,: fairways good but greens were a little slow but right before start of aeration so a factor. Definitely a must play on Kauai!

This course is unreal. It's so beautiful it is like a video game. It doesn't even look real. The course is extremely well maintained and the layout is fantastic. There are views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The staff is very friendly and everything about the course is over the top nice. The carts are in perfect condition, the driving range is on the way to tee 1 and is included in tee price, and you even get a cold towel from staff when you end the course. This was probably the nicest course I have ever played, highly recommended and worth the price. Do it!

Fun course, some challenging holes with headwind. Staff said it was mild wind so can’t imagine with stronger winds. Had to go 2 clubs up on the shots into the wind

The golf course was in excellent condition, with wind and some mud due to the recent rain. Upon arrival, the bag attendants were professional and attentive to their duties. The starter, Kurt, was very knowledgeable and helpful.

However, the issue arose with the course pro shop staff, Greg and assistant director of golf Chasen Bahouth. After my round, I was informed that I needed to purchase range time, despite having already spent $300 for the round which included the range, chipping and putting green. I explained my intention to hit a few balls to straighten out a few things that needed some attention, but Chasen responded with a condescending “Sorry, you need to buy range time if you want to work on your game.” I was shocked and left the area, heading to the pro shop to speak with the GM of golf activities, Chad Dusenberry.

When I asked who the individuals were, Greg started yawning, indicating that he didn’t know who they were or how to contact them. He directed me to some cards on the counter with names and numbers. His carefree and nonchalant attitude was not in line with the course’s heritage. The culture of a club starts at the top. I wondered what my interaction would have been like with the GM.

I must remember that they had already taken my money and thought I was a one-time visitor. I had planned to play an additional three times as more family and friends come into town. Needless to say, I will not spend another penny at this course. Your experience and needs may differ than mine…

The course was challenging, windy, and in good shape.

I was paired with a threesome, which in and of itself was excellent since we followed another foursome. Unfortunately we finished 15-20 minutes behind pace. Much of it was due to the very slow play of two of the other players. I am sure that there is not a lot you can do about it since they paid their money as well. Their slow play was associated with, and I have NEVER seen this before, putting the ball on a tee through the green until it was close enough to the green for a short iron. So the ball was on a tee for the actual tee shot and then in the fairway or rough for the approach shot or shots!! We saw no ranger by the way.

Course was in great shape and staff was great. The view were out of the world so glad I played this over the other courses. Would recommend.

I decided to play the course after picking out the best course to play on the island. I liked the layout. I wasn’t anticipating such windy conditions. Had a great time of course when you have the wind in at your back. How Phil could shoot a 59 in this weather it’s beyond my expectation.

Golfer friendly course. Pro shop advised that greens had been aerated recently which made it quite bumpy. That was the only bad mark against this beautiful course.

I am not an outwardly emotional or expressive person normally… however… I was MOVED spiritually & emotionally playing this course. This should be one every golfers bucket list. The only reason I gave a 4 on the condition of the course was because the greens were still slightly recovering from the aeration. Other than that it was beyond perfect.