3 rounds on Oahu in April - Where to play?

[velvet fog]

Looking for suggestions for three rounds mid April on Oahu. I'm staying in Waikiki and right now thinking of Koolina, Koolau and Waialae if the hotel can get me on.

 

I'd prefer to avoid Bermuda grass if possible since we don't have a lot of it in the Seattle area and it drove me nuts when I played at Kapalua and Wailea. I've only played Maui so far and liked the Makena course the best.

 

Just for reference, I'm 48, carry a 19 index and usually play ~6500 yard tees.

 

Let's hear your suggestions.

 

 

[gxDD]

Turtle Bay is nice.

[mach 1]

Waialae is out of the question. You have to be a member or know a member to get on and play it.
Koolau is ok but the course maybe in bad shape. Its pretty much target golf at Koolau. I would recommend Turtle bay the Palmer course, Koolina, New Ewa Beach golf club, Royal Kunia, and Luana Hills.

New ewa beach usually has really nice greens. Luana Hills is kinda of like Koolau, you kind of have a feeling of playing in the jungle. The condition of the course might be in question though.

[foreplus]

Ko Olina, Turtle Bay Palmer, Luana Hills (it's in decent shape).

[mauiatheart]

Royal Kunia (great views of Pearl Harbor), Turtle Bay Palmer (a loooong drive), Ewa Beach.

I personally would avoid Koolau and Luana Hills this time of year. Too wet and soggy. But then again, I avoid them at all costs as the conditions are never that great and I hate target golf.

[ml43]

+1 for Turtle bay and Ewa International

Currently have the best non-bermuda greens on the island in my opinion

[velvet fog]

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking Koolina, Royal Kuna and Ewa International. If the hotel can get me on at Waialae then I'd probably drop Koolina.

[mach 1]

[quote name='velvet fog' date='05 March 2010 - 06:43 PM' timestamp='1267850582' post='2296219']
Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking Koolina, Royal Kuna and Ewa International. If the hotel can get me on at Waialae then I'd probably drop Koolina.
[/quote]
I dont think the hotel can get you on Waialae. Its a private course, you need to be a member or know a member to play there.

[bingbing24]

You wont get onto Waialae, my uncle is a member there and he could only take two people out at a time in addition to his wife. There pretty strict there. But it seems like you'll have plenty of other nice courses to play!

[velvet fog]

I'm staying at the Royal Hawaiian and they seem to have packages with Waialae. I can't find the link I saw earlier, but here's a package they are currently offering.

http://www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com/landing-pages/waialae-golf

We didn't get the golf package since my wife is a non-golfer, but I expect the concierge should be able to get me on. I'm going to call later today.

[bingbing24]

O sweet! if you can get on go for it!!! One warning would be to make sure you keep your pace of play up!! I was definitely not use to playing at the pace they do the memberes will be on your tail the entire round...But a great course either way!

The rough will get you, so try stay in the short stuff!!

[rrkman]

As a tourist that visited a couple years ago....I highly recommend Koolau. When I played, half the greens were sanded and I still loved the place.....certainly the best location of any course that I've ever played. Ko'Olina was a very nice course - has it all...condition was great, views were great, etc. Royal Kunia was kind of an unknown for me but I was pleasantly surprised....nice course, good views, etc. The one place that I was kind of disappointed in was Turtle Bay....for some reason I just expected more. The course was in great shape but you don't really see the ocean, the range and clubhouse look like a muni....just not what I expected. But, if nothing else, it gives you a reason to head north and hit the shrimp trucks....another highlight of our trip. The big plus about Turtle Bay is playing a course that you see on TV....makes watching the pros play it that much more entertaining...at least to me it did.

One other word of advice....convince some of these guys to meet up with you. You won't find a nicer or more hospitable group around.

[velvet fog]

Here's the scoop on Waialae - you have to stay at the Royal Hawaiian, tee times are available M,W,F, and you can only book 7 days in advance.

I've set a reminder 7 days before my trip. :-)

[velvet fog]

7 days to go, I'm teeing off at 10:12 Friday the 16th.