Poipu Bay Golf Course

I have played this course several times. It is super fun when the wind is not blowing. (Which is almost never.)

A must golf if you flew to the island. I still think they should lower the prices and fill the course up so the staff would be busy but I am not a business owner. Last 4 holes are legendary.

A round at Poipu Bay involves navigating the 15-20 mph trade winds, that gusted to 25 mph today. Choosing the right club (today was a two-club wind, at times three) and correct shot will determine how well you fare on the scorecard.

Most holes play either directly into or downwind. There are not many crosswind shots, so pay attention to how far shots are going compared to normal early in the round, because the course gets tougher and tougher building toward the back nine and closing holes. Leave your ego on the range and get ready to hit a 5-iron 165 yards on the button (normally a 190-195 club for me) into the wind and still come up five yards short.

Pars are good scores, and you will have to work for them.

The collection of par 3s were very good, with only the third hole being a weaker link, although it is the only one that plays into the wind. The other three were varied in length, making for a good variety.

The paspalum greens were very hearty and putted like grainy Bermuda. Bunkers were thinner and composed of tightly-compacted sand.

Practice area was top-notch and pro shop was more than amply stocked.

In summary, Poipu Bay is marked by the closing stretch of holes on the ocean (Nos. 15-17), but scores will tend to be a bit higher here due to the severity of the wind.

I won’t be able to comment the greens because they had been spiked and covered with sand two days before our round. The 30$ discount for that was nice, but honestly it should be more than that to play that kind of conditions. A good layout but it doesn’t stand the comparison with many mainland courses that I’ve played. Sure, the scenery is spectacular, but some holes are quite ordinary. Par 3 third and eleventh come to mind. Still a very good course but for that price you expect a five stars course. It’s a four star for me.

One of the most enjoyable rounds of golf. Excellent layout, great service, perfect location. Can’t imagine a nicer place to play a round of golf. A little steep price, however when in Kauai you probably should try to play.

I had a great time playing this course. The location is great and the views are incredible. I had an easier time on the front nine than the back but the views on the back nine were stunning. The conditions were great when I played! The staff was great during the check in process and I really enjoyed the pro shop as well!

We have played about twenty courses in Hawaii, and this was among the best. In terms of play the most enjoyable from the tees suitable to our games. Some holes were unreachable for us in regulation, but very reachable plus one with the not unrealistic hope of a one putt.

We played with another couple in less than four hours.

Staff was great. Although windy, the course was very playable, but challenging. Beautiful ocean holes. One of my favorite of 16 courses played in Hawaii

We played this course twice because the second time it was $145.00 per person. The greens were beautiful and ran about at a nine to ten. The staff, especially Marsha, were fun and helpful!! It has great ocean views as two or three holes are right along the cliff lines. I’d definitely recommend this course to friends.

Exquisitely groomed and friendly. This is designed to fit the bill for a championship course, as well as a resort ,course. They do it about as well as anyone. Coupled with the spectacular scenery, what’s not to like?

Hands down the most beautiful course I have ever played. I found the course challenging yet fair with almost perfect greens that putted true and at a reasonable speed (not ridiculously fast or public course slow). I have always loved playing RTJ and RTJJr courses because they make you think. This is no exception as they have both mastered the art of illusion drawing your eye to the place where your not suppose to hit the ball to. Well worth the price. I'll return no doubt about it.

It was a very beautiful course. The green is very well maintained, fast and challenging. The strong wind from the sea matter a lot for your record card, and need one to manage smartly. I am happy to have a chance to play here:)

My father and I played this course while on vacation. There happened to be 40-50mph winds that day but we were going to play no matter the weather as we'll probably never get back to Hawaii, and we're very glad we did. There had been tons of rain in the week leading up to us playing and even a downpour as we were arriving but the course was in outstanding shape. The greens were absolutely immaculate. Three of the last four holes are unreal, right along the ocean for that stretch. If you're going to golf while in Hawaii that's what you hope for. The staff was also very friendly and accommodating. We got a nice little swag bag with a towel, ball mark and repair tool as they were celebrating 25 years. I'd recommend this course to anyone looking to play on kauai.

I've played here for years but found on this trip they've decided to close the kitchen and sell out of a refrigerator. No breakfast, no lunch, nothing but ready made sandwiches from the refrigerated display case. No mixed drinks, just canned beer when you finish your round. No Beverage cart either, they cut that out as well I guess to save money. Feels like they removed part of the courses "soul". It's a bit isolated so there aren't other choices. Too bad, now it feels like an upscale muni. People were absolutely great !

Very well maintained from the smooth, nearly blemish-free fairways to true rolling greens and top-notch practice facilities, this course is well worth your time and money. The course is a fairly forgiving resort course with wide fairways, non-punitive rough, some spectacular views, attractive design and appealing landscaping. When we played, the greens were recovering from aeration, but were very smooth and consistent--just a little slow. I would anticipate in a few weeks that they would be mowed shorter and rolled firmer to give them a little more speed and challenge. I would like to try the course again with those green conditions. All of the staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this course to low and high handicaps.

after hearing all the hype I was somewhat disappointed. Course charges a premium for fees, but really isn't the same as some of the other "top-tier courses." Definitely fits in the "resort" category. Fairways are wide, and well maintained. Course is NOT one to eat a dozen balls. Greens are smooth and relatively fast, but not so fast as to not be fun. If you are expecting a layout that is entirely on the coast look elsewhere. Only the final few holes really front the ocean. The staff are very friendly, not the least bit pretentious. Carts come with GPS. One caution-though they bill it as a "restaurant" all they really have is a snack bar. And like so many places on the island, no draft beer. Overall a nice day, nice experience, but not something I would put on my "bucket list."

Although the heydays as host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf are gone, Poipu Bay Golf Course is still pretty darn good.
It's a bit nostalgic walking through the clubhouse looking at all the old photos of Tiger Woods, who won the exhibition seven times, and Phil Mickelson, who shot a 59 on the final day to win in 2004.
Poipu Bay, next to the excellent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, hosted the four major winners in a two-day shootout for a good run from 1994-2006.
The course isn't quite as dramatic as it looked on TV during those aerial views. Holes 15-17 run along a 150-foot sea cliff, but the ocean isn't always visible. The best views seem to come when looking backward off of tees and greens.
A greens renovation added seashore paspalum in 2011, ensuring good conditions year round. In 2013, Golfweek ranked Poipu Bay ninth among the top golf courses in Hawaii.
The site is one of the windiest in Hawaii, so come prepared with a knock-down shot.

On the sunny (windy) south shore, Poipu is an entirely different experience from the rest of the Kauai golf courses, despite being designed by RTJ Jr. (like the Princeville courses). The closing stretch of holes, which is usually downwind, makes for one of the most fun on the island. The entire experience, including the practice facilities and gorgeous clubhouse, might be tops on the island.

This course's staff is super friendly and helpful, and the greens are in wonderful shape, however the course falls short of its former glory, and charges Princeville prices for near-Puakea golf.

Looking forward to playing this wonderful course again.