COURSE REVIEW
Kauai's best? Hard to argue against Poipu Bay Golf Course as Hawaiian island's top resort course
By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer
Tiger Woods never declined his invitation to former PGA Grand Slam of Golf host Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai. Play Poipu Bay on your Hawaii golf vacation and it's easy see why: It's practically the perfect resort course.
KAUAI, Hawaii - Expectations can be mighty high when booking your first Hawaiian golf trip.
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Do just a hint of research, and you've no doubt seen a dozen pictures of golf courses, luxury hotels and beaches that summon an instant rise in heartbeat. The bar rises so high so quickly, you worry if you're setting yourself up for the inevitable vacation letdown.
Play Poipu Bay Golf Course on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, and those already lofty expectations will likely be exceeded.
Partnering with the Grand Hyatt Resort on Kauai's south shore, and a host to the post-season PGA Grand Slam of Golf (back in the days when the only time Tiger was absent from the event is when he went the year without winning a major in 2003 and 2004), Poipu Bay has all the elements of a world-class resort course - one you'll be itching to re-play as soon as you walk off the 18th green.
There are more than just a handful of "wow" moments over the course of 18 holes at Poipu Bay. In fact, practically the entire back nine is exposed to the rugged coastline.
When you're not gazing off into the Pacific, you'll notice the golf course itself is full of character. A series of black, hand-made stone walls are tucked between holes. These historical remnants are 500-year old Hawaiian heaiu (places of worship). Golfers are asked to steer clear of these culturally sensitive areas. Besides, who wants to wake up the ghosts of the Pacific? Some wandering duffer at Poipu is probably what caused Hurricane Iniki on Kauai in 1992.
Beyond the course's aesthetics, perhaps the best aspect of Poipu Bay is that despite its standing as a former PGA Grand Slam of Golf host from 1994 to 2006, the average resort golfer is going to have a shot on a lot of these holes for a good score. That's because it's easy to get off the tee here. Fairways are generous, not to mention beautifully framed by palm trees. There is a good amount of rough on each hole before finding heavy brush, and while there are water hazards, they can be avoided rather easily.
The trouble at Poipu comes on and around the greens. Architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s often-elevated greens feature steep slopes and tiers, surrounded with collection areas and heavy bunkering. These complexes make up-and-downs and two-putts no easy task.
Another noticeable aspect of Poipu's design is how big of a role the trade winds played in the routing. And it's good it was factored in, because they range from "prevalent" to "vicious." Many of the par 4s that play into the wind are just 350 yards, yet can demand a solid drive and a long iron or wood into the green.
On the other hand, the two par 5s that play with the winds are a real treat, because a good drive that catches wind will sail and sail. Suddenly a 550-yard par 5 is looking like a pitch-and-putt. And don't fret, the final three holes, starting with the gorgeous 16th hole with an elevated tee, play right along the coastline with the wind at your back.
See? Poipu Bay is thinking of you just as much as Tiger.
Poipu Bay: The Verdict
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Kauai's top resort course? With respect to the Prince Golf Course at Princeville at Hanalei and the Kiele Course at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, the argument can easily be made. It has the PGA Tour pedigree, hole variety, playability and spectacular backdrop to warrant the highest of praise.
And, of course, low-handicappers can step to the back tees knowing it can challenge even the four PGA Tour major winners.
Peak season green fees at Poipu Bay range from $75-200.
Stay and Play: The Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa
Poipu Bay is a short walk to the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa, a Pacific-themed, 50-plus acre property with airy, open spaces and tropical gardens. Of the handful of restaurants serving local seafood and an assortment of dishes, the best is Tidepools. A night here will make you forget all the Pacific-themed restaurants you ate at back on the mainland. It's an incredibly charming atmosphere set in a series of hali-pilis (open-air huts) with surrounding lagoons and waterfalls. You're also within eye and ear shot of the nightly luau as well.
For non-golfers there are loads of activities at the Grand Hyatt, so don't feel too bad leaving the kids or wife behind for the afternoon. The Anara Spa is the place you can spend an entire afternoon in. For the active set, ATV tours, ziplining, hiking and an assortment of water sports from snorkeling to surfing lessons are at your disposal. Or lazier souls can spend the afternoon at the Anara Spa or lounge at the beach or lagoon-style pool.
Guests of the Grand Hyatt receive a discounted green fee of $140 for golf at Poipu Bay.
Fast Fact
Phil Mickelson holds the course record at Poipu Bay: 59 set in 2004.
March 24, 2008
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
