Turtle Bay Resort (Oahu)

Enjoyable round of golf on this Fazio design in Hawaii. Golf in Hawaii what else can you ask for?! My only gripe was that the golf carts do not have GPS and the greens were not cut down enough to be challenging. Overall, course was in great shape and very pleasant experience comma would recommend to anyone.

The Palmer Course at Turtle Bay is one of the best courses in the country that anyone can play and actually book a tee time. The fairways are like carpet and the greens are consistent from hole to hole. The winds vary from hole to hole adding another level of difficulty. The course layout and pin placements make this a tough course for beginners. However if you know where your shots are going this course is very playable. There is no clubhouse once out on the course so get any snacks or beverages before you head to the first hole. We only saw the snack cart two times. The staff and employees were very helpful and friendly. The course does a great job of getting you lost in the wilderness of Oahu's North Shore after the third hole and there are a few holes where you see the ocean.

The staff was very friendly and helpful.The range was small and we could only hit irons that day..The layout of the course is pretty simple not much water comes into play throughout the whole course and they really didn't have sand traps they were more like dirt traps (very hard dirt.) the back nine could use a lot of TLC and it does look as if they're working on it.Overall I'm glad I waited until the twilight rate and used golfnow, it would have bothered me to pay full price for this course.The locals that I spoke with said pay the extra and play the Palmer.

Just perfect. The only thing I can think of to criticise is all my terrible shots that sent balls in the water. Thank you Turtle Beach! And congratulations to the course superintendent or whatever he/she is called in the US; great job, with the course presentation.

Great course overall. The conditions were spectacular and the layout was fun. I was told it was going to be difficult but it didn't seem to be. It definitely doesn't play as long as the scorecard displays.

Would definitely recommend this 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).

Great time, great views, lots of bunkers

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 my go-to course...not because of any redeeming features....but it fits my work schedule, which takes me to the Northshore several times a month. If I time it right I can get on the course at 3:00 pm. Long days of summer means I can just get in 18 holes.

The fairwys and greens are in good shape. The recent heavy rain really has the rough well developed. As previous reviewers have stated - you only have two views of the ocean on this course. #6/#7 and #11/#12. Most courses on Oahu have none....ocean views...go to a neighbor island. All of the greens were holding the ball well (not hard) but the wind in the afternoon is a huge factor. My only complaint is the lack of sand in the bunkers. Very hard clay-like surface.

Take advantage of the Turtle Bay "Golf Plus" program. This is my third year of membership - a great deal if you can play here a lot.

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!