Poipu Bay: A Golf Course so Beautiful, it's Hard to Focus on the Game!
Written: Oct 14 '00 (Updated Dec 16 '01)
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Pros: Beautiful course, breathtaking scenery, dramatic cliffs, seasonal whale watching
Cons: Long, challenging course with many beautiful scenic attractions ... hmmm.. that's not so bad!
The Bottom Line: A magnificent course that is equally challenging and beautiful. Breathtaking scenery, with cliffs, oceans and spouting whales (seasonal). The entire course is lush, green, and gorgeous. Worth $25 to ride!
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| diverpam's Full Review: Poipu Bay Resort Course |
No wonder they play the Grand Slam of Golf here. It is a spectacular course and first class operation. The links-style course is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It has been home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf since 1994.
Awards
* Chosen by Golf Magazine "Gold Medal Award" Top 18 in the nation
* Golf Digest rated it one of the Top 10 courses in Hawaii
My husband and I were in Kauai during February this year. Since I am an infrequent (that's a nice way of describing it) golfer, I opted not to bring my clubs. My husband is, of course, just the opposite. So his clubs made the journey with us and his heart was set on playing Poipu Bay.
We decided that he would play golf and I would drive the cart and take pictures. Since the scenery was nothing short of spectacular, I would consider it my island tour for the day. My review, therefore, is from the viewpoint of a sightseer rather than a golfer.
Getting Started
We stopped by the course our second day on Kauai to inquire about prices and schedule a tee time for my husband. For a tee time after noon, the cost was just over $100 (a pretty good savings). For the privilege of riding in the cart, I would pay $25. After taking a look around, I decided it would be a good investment of both time and money.
We browsed around the pro shop for a while - souvenirs were an absolute must. They had a good selection of items in a well-stocked shop. They carry a full line of Grand Slam items, as well as various resort wear. There are many items with the Poipu Bay logo. The pro shop is rated as one of the Top 100 in the nation. Everyone who plays - or rides - receives a Poipu Bay bag tag, with their distinctive logo design.
The ladies' locker room was very nice and well-maintained. I can always appreciate that. Some places seem to forget women play golf, too.
Time to Play
We came back two days later in time for a 12:07 tee time. My husband with his clubs and I with video camera and as well as my 35mm.
The driving range was large and in good shape. Lots of people were out there wearing themselves out in the heat. I relaxed in the comfort of the golf cart and tried to figure out the monitor.
Soon we were off to the first tee, where we met two nice gentlemen who were also by themselves.
Challenging and Beautiful
I have to admit, I spent more time looking at the scenery than I did the golf balls. There were some very challenging holes, as attested by the random moan,groans, and under-the-breath cursing that transpired that afternoon from the gentlemen.
I was really glad I wasn't playing. The course was as difficult as it was beautiful. Many of the holes were very long and tricky, but all were perfectly maintained and lush. The rolling hills and beautiful plants enhanced the course, with its sheer cliffs and sparkling ocean as a backdrop.
Occasionally the monitor would beep and remind everyone to keep up the pace of play. These monitors were very helpful in showing the layout of each hole and providing the distance to the pin. We knew exactly where we were in relation to the pin at all times -- usually much too far away!
Every hole has a view of the ocean, especially the last holes along cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean.
Tees Rating Slope
Gold 73.4 132
Blue 71.3 129
White 69.0 125
Red 70.9 121
Yardage is From Blue Tees
Front Nine
#1 416 yards, par 4
#2 482 yards, par 5
#3 185 yards, par 3
#4 359 yards, par 4
#5 308 yards, par 4
#6 523 yards, par 5
#7 137 yards, par 3
#8 308 yards, par 4
#9 367 yards, par 4
Front Nine, Total Yardage 3145, Par 36
Back Nine
#10 360 yards, par 4
#11 166 yards, par 3
#12 376 yards, par 4
#13 357 yards, par 4
#14 498 yards, par 5
#15 401 yards, par 4
#16 472 yards, par 4 Watch our for the HEIAU and stone walls here. You are not allowed the enter the HEIAU. They are ancient places of worship. You must abandon the ball.
#17 199 yards, par 3
#18 525 yards, par 5
Back Nine, Total Yardage 3354, Par 36
Course Total Yardage 6499, Par 72
Whale Watching Opportunities
There were at least two holes where play dramatically slowed down. It seems everyone was so busy watching the spouting whales they couldn't concentrate on the game. February is a perfect time to see lots of whales. There are some spots on the course where you can walk right to the end of a cliff, watch the ocean crash below, and see whales swimming nearby. Although we didn't see them, there are also sea turtles and rare Hawaiian monk seals nearby.
18th Green
The last green is so beautiful. You look w-a-a-a-ay down the fairway to see the clubhouse and huge flower beds and a large green surrounded by water. A photographer's dream and a golfer's nightmare! It was, however, the highlight of my husband's day. He hit his final tee shot long and straight and it seemed to fly forever. He managed to get on the green in short order and birdie this hole. A perfect way to wrap up an afternoon on such a great course.
19th Hole
We stopped in for a cool drink to enjoy the beautiful scenery a bit longer and relax. Sitting at a wrought-iron table on the patio, we looked at snippets of the video I had taken throughout the afternoon. There was my husband about to hit a great tee shot, suddenly the camera pans away and zooms out to the ocean. A whale is spouting in the distance. My children roared with laughter when they watched the video back home. Although I diligently tried to document my husband's golf game, the video looked much more like a travelogue than a sports show.
If you get a chance to play this course, or just go along for the ride, you won't be disappointed. It is absolutely beautiful.
Recommended:
Yes
Green Fees Paid (US$): 105 to play, $25 to ride
Speed of Play (typical weekend): 3 to 4 Hours
Look Out For: Water
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diverpam
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Member: Pam
Location: Collierville, TN
Reviews written: 263
Trusted by: 347 members
About Me:
~~~~So many oceans...so little time!~~~~
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