Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer Course

Played this course recently with my wife while vacationing in Oahu. Excellent course, challenging but fair for both of us. The course was in great shape and the weather was excellent. The fairways were firm and tee shots really ran in the fairway. This was good for an extra 20 yards but could be trouble as the fairways are often sloped and carry tee shots toward hazards, either sand or water. Greens were fair and rolled equally well. Pace of play was good and the starters were very accommodating. It's a resort course so they do not push guests to play quickly, but this was not a problem as we played our rounds both days in about 4:10. Additionally, the beverage cart was readily available and the restaurant adjacent to the clubhouse is the best one in the resort for the menu and value. There were some small but aggravating points, however. Like many places trying to cut costs, the golf staff is small and overworked so the check in of several groups simultaneously resembles semi organized chaos and a course orientation was marginal at best. The ride to the first tee is about 10 minutes and the practice range at the Palmer Course was closed both days. The other practice range was 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. The golf however was great and this is a wonderful course to play.

Fairways were in great condition. A few tee boxes were not in the best of condition as were several greens mostly on the back nine which had mold rot. However, the greens rolled true. Be sure to bring a GPS as distance control is critical to avoid the strategically placed bunkers and water hazard. Played the Palmer course where only the 17th hole comes near the water. Because the Palmer driver range is only open on weekends, had to use the driving range at the Fazio course which is an absolute disaster. Hitting area was almost all dirt and was only allowed to use irons, although students with instructors right next to you were hitting drivers. Felt this was unfair especially with the green fee of $120 for twilight play. Twosome in front of me were playing multiple balls, but no marshal to control this unacceptable behavior.

Loved the greens and course was interesting. Pace was a little slow, foursome two in front was very slow. No personnel every drove thru. We are at a resort and on the beautiful North Shore of Hawaii but you get a little out of sink when waiting for your next shot. All in all I would highly recommend this course. Loved it!

The Palmer Course at Turtle Bay provides some of the most spectacular island and ocean views you could hope for. The course was in fabulous shape with some of the best greens I've played on this year. Two of us played and our wives rode with us. ($25 rider fee is more than reasonable.) The winds made it challenging, but even then the course was extremely fun to play and we had a fantastic, fun day. After our round we had a really, really good lunch at the clubhouse grill (I recommend the chargrilled burger). The staff in both the restaurant and the club house were very friendly. I've played six different courses in Hawaii and this one is hands down my favorite. You cannot go wrong with this course!

I usually play this course 2-3 times a year. For the last couple of years I have been a member of the Turtle Bay Golf Play program which give me access to some great deals on tee-times for this course.

It's really two different styles of course - Front 9 a bit more of a linksy' layout. Back nine winds it way through the woods bordered by by wetlands. Only one of the 18 holes do you see the ocean (#17), wind is always a challenge, particularly on the front nine. I have yeat to play from the blue tee's, which I will liklely do the next time I play this course, Playing fromt the Gold, if your t-shot is with the wind, you can end up in some trouble. Either put away the driver or move back a tee.

Look for the old Marconi Radio Station on #14 and use the coolers on your cart if you buy a sandwich from the roving cart (the Mongoose on this course are downright criminal).

I was expecting more from a $185.00 course in Hawaii. Only a few holes had ocean views and the staff friendliness was marginal at best.

Pace of play was good, course layout and difficulty made for a fun time, just dissatisfied with the treatment from the staff.

This is the most challenging course I have played. That is in comparison to the Florida Disney courses, also managed by Palmer. I am a 15 handicap and played the blues (6700 yds). There are hazards in play on virtually all shots, and you are penalized if you spray the ball. Course in great shape. Greens, bunkers, fairways all perfect. Bring your A game and enjoy the scenery around you. It is beautiful.

Course condition was great. Very well layed out course with many blind shots and more water than I thought there would be. Definitely will play the course differently next time as I hit driver when I should have layed up on a couple holes. You'll see. Service was great. Cons: Lack of drinking water on the course. Believe their was two places and it was warm. No ball washers. Seriously could they not afford to buy them? It's easy to get lost going to the tee box. You do not tee off near the clubhouse. You drive like 5 minutes to get to the 1st tee box. Keep this in mind, as I was almost late for my tee time. Driving range is ok, not great, but you don't have to hit off mats. Overall I would definitely recommend. Beautiful course, fun layout, just don't expect to be playing next to the ocean.

I often play the Fazio course adjacent to the Palmer course. The Palmer course is in another class all together. An immaculately groomed 18 holes. Every shot needs to be made with care and calculation. The Palmer course offers a very challenging round, but does have gold and white tees to ease the pain. The greens are very well manicured and roll true. I would recommend this course to anyone that want play a enjoyable round with great scenery. The day we played the surf was very large and a great spectacle to let your mind relax between shots. I will play there again at my next opportunity. Go Play!

With all the hype surrounding this course I was disappointed with the condition of the greens. The tee boxes and fairways were in good shape but my berber carpet at home rolls smoother. Also, they need to educate their staff on how to adjust their rental clubs. I had to show them how it is done.

Fun course, greens were a little rough the day I played. All skill levels would have fun playing. Very open layout.

Always in decent shape. Can play long if it's a windy day!! Bunkers and BLIND water hazards can make it challenging so be sure to take a guide or study your map on the back nine! Rarely crowded on weekdays.

I was disappointed with the " normal style"of this golf course, for the price, the name, ....average! one hole on the water, foe a better price play the Hawaiian prince!

If you hav not had the pleasurable experience of playing a round of golf at the Palmer course at Turtle Bay, you have not truly experinced the joy of golf on the North Shore. Awesome fairways and greens, play for fun on the white or lower tees OR challenge yourself and friends from the blue or black. Either way you will enjoy your round thoroughly.

I played this course twice last year and it was a wonderful golf experience. Course conditioning was excellent and scenery was spectacular. A fair course with wide fairways and demanding second shots. Look forward to playing again in the future.

Play the Palmer at Turtle Bay? No doubt about it, the Palmer never fails to please. Anticipation rises on the drive to the course, and from the first tee to holing out at 18, it doesn't let you down. It's a golfing challenge for all skill levels surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Shore. Then, there's Lele's!

This course is the jewel of Oahu. It runs along the North Shore coastline and the views are spectacular! There are challenges galore at each of the four tees. My honey and I played from the gold and the red. The fairways are pristine and the greens fast. The afternoon wind keeps you thinking and the "risk/reward" holes are plentiful! After the round stop by Lei Lei's and have a home made chocolate cookie! All around, this course is well worth the money!

Great course, very friendly staff. The greens were amazing; super smooth and consistent. It's not along the coast, but the placement of trees and rocks make it a beautiful course. Not cheap though ( I'm used to military rates). The rental clubs are new Titleists and Scotty putter; sweet.

Clubhouse is like an old municipal, could use a refresh in a big way. Food and service are very good, though. Range is beat up and doesn't represent the quality of the golf course. VERY long drive to first tee. First 2 holes are bland but the strength of the course builds with every hole after that. By the 4th hole you can see that this is an outstanding design and the back nine is fantastic. Fairways were absolutely perfect carpet. Same with most tee boxes. Unfortunately, greens were very bumpy and beat up. Hopefully they will get that squared away and this will be a tremendous experience. The final 3 holes are spectacular. Standing on the 17th green is special. Great challenge from the 6,800 yd tees for this 8 hdcp.

Beautiful but brutal golf course, long off the tees into a ferocious tradewind blowing from the Northeast. Your concentration is challenged by impossibly long holes and gorgeous oceanscapes. Good humbling experience.