Kapalua Plantation vs. Bay Course Differences

[Mud]

I’ll be out in February, and I’m having a hard time deciding which to play.

Very tempted by the Plantation since it’s a tour course and has the killer views, but I also want to have a good time (like not losing a dozen balls or 3-putting every green).

I’ve heard all about how hard the Plantation is, but how much more than the Bay course? Are the greens significantly different in playability? Is the wind more pronounced on the Plantation course?

I’m around a 14 hc, medium distance hitter, and good short game (but still fear the Plantation greens).

I’ll be playing in the morning, and only once!

[scratchswinger]

They are both amazing tracks.... Plantation has a few extremely slopped greens but so does the bay- hole for hole they equal out to about the same. Yes the wind is stronger on the Plantation, especially later in the day. I would say that the Bay course is about 5-8 shots easier than the Plantation. If I had one round to play my choice would be the Plantation every time

[jdhallissey]

Who are you kidding? PLAY THEM BOTH!!!! haha they are both outstanding tracks. If I had only one round there well it is the plantation no doubt. I love that course.

[Mud]

I so wish I had the time and money to play both, but that ain't gonna happen.
How do the facilities compare between the two?
Driving range, clubhouse etc..

[scratchswinger]

Not even a comparison.... Plantation is far superior in ever aspect in regards to the facility. The Bay is no slouch but Plantation is a whole other level.

Bay: Pro shop and club house double as part of a resort restaurant and tennis club, the range has restricted flight balls.

Plantation: has an amazing club house with spectacular views and is 100% dedicated to the course. There is a small private full length range that uses Srixon Z Star balls.

[Mud]

Nice - definitely sounds lke Plantation all the way!

[myspinonit]

Even if one doesn't play the Plantation course, the clubhouse for breaky or lunch is one of the must-do's every time we go to Maui.

[CWB]

Plantation
Its like a Roller Coaster
Relax, Mahalo, bring some extra balls or stop by 2 golf shops by airport or 2 big box stores
the views are Crazy, incredible, ect.........
yeah the pins can be in crazy locations, some short par 4 but (& #9 sucks)
but
18,17,16 wow
and some dog leg left par 5's if trade winds blowing and you can fade a ball can be reached

[RainShadow]

Bring my own sticks or rent? Direct flight from Seattle to Maui.
Sataying a week and playing 3 days, maybe 4.
Staying outside Lahaina town. Thanks

[alecmadison97]

The Bay is great with a few ocean holes, but the Plantation is unbelievable it is like golfing in Jurassic Park. I would recommend playing Plantation but stopping by the Bay for dinner in the restaurant. It has a spectacular clubhouse with views of the course.

[hpr3]

I have played both. The Plantation has the widest fairways you will ever play. You won't lose many balls there. The views are great but the wind can be a major challenge. The greens are huge so you may 3 putt a few. The bay course is nice but it's like many resort courses you have probably played. The Plantation is one of a kind.

[teejaywhy]

If you don't have fun playing the Plantation, then golf is not the right game for you. Even when you three putt you will have a smile on your face.

Plantation: Top 100 course, Coore & Crenshaw design, tour course...
Bay: none of those.

[mudmarlin]

When I was there I played both. Both are great. However the plantation course is definitely the one to play if you can only play one. Simply because the views and scenary is unbelievable on the plantation course. Who cares which is harder and how you play is sort or irrelevant.

[rockinar]

Bay course is the most over rated course on the island and one of the most expensive. Play it last out of all your rounds.

[AC168]

Plantation is world class. Bay is a nice resort course.