Turtle Bay Golf
Turtle Bay Golf
4
About
Turtle Bay Golf features two, 18-hole golf courses on the Fabled North Shore of Oahu. The Arnold Palmer Course is a Golf Digest Top 100 Public Golf Course and has hosted both the LPGA Tour and Champions Tour. The George Fazio Course is a perfect course for the novice golfer or families wanting a quality golf experience. Special walking rates available on the Fazio Course. Ask about our rental club special which allows golfers complimentary use of the rental clubs after the first rental on either of our golf courses. First rental includes 2 sleeves of Titleist golf balls
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
245 reviews
Excellent
107
Very good
70
Average
35
Poor
19
Terrible
14
jim727
San Diego118 contributions
Played the Turtle Bay resort Palmer Course; nice fairways and greens but bunkers were soggy and hard with no drainage system. Green fees including cart for Palmer are $160-$190...there is no discount for retired military. Shame on Turtle Bay Resort for not honoring the sacrifices of our retired military. At least the course does have a $65 resident rate for active duty military. The Presidio golf course in San Francisco, now a municipal golf course, allows retired military with ID to play at the SF resident rate. The Lei Lei restaurant has good food. The resort itself is NOT on the beach; if you want to get to the beach, it is 400 yards from the cottages, across Hwy 83. Hwy 83 is jammed with cars on the weekends; two lanes only; goes 10 mph. Don't go in winter...very rainy. Hot in summer 91 degrees; winter low 72 and high 82 but rainy.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff M
3 contributions
Jan 2023
Careful booking here. I have played golf for 30 yrs and never had such a poor experience. We were visiting Hnl and booked a tee time of 1-30pm for 3 people, pay ~ $670 USD incl club hire. By the 15th hole, there were 5 carts parked up due to slow play. The carts were due back by 5-45pm and there was no chance we would make it. We waited 10mins and it was arduously slow ahead with another 10-15mins before we might tee off. We headed back to the clubhouse to express dissatisfaction that we had not been able to play 18 holes, only to be told thats the risks of twilight!!! To be clear, it was never an issue of failing light, as there was plenty of that left. The issue was poor management of the course, allowing the tee times to be overbooked and then allowing play to be that slow. Several others had also stopped play early and while expressing my dissatisfaction to the course manager, other players at the clubhouse also conveyed to the manager their play was very slow, despite assurance the club monitored play through the carts . In addition to the poor handling of this issue, I had a fall on the course and had asked for antiseptic for my leg, only to be ignored. The overall experience was shocking and I would caution anyone playing here to be mindful the resort has no interest in you other than your fees.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian T
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
Course was in tough shape for 12ish holed; they have bull grass / crabgrass growing around the tee boxes and greens, and there appears to be a lack of investment in the course. There are 2-3 nice holes on the back, and 16/17 were in the nicest condition, but for the rate at a resort course - expect it to be top notch. In comparison - played Ko Olina, and it was in terrific shape, and immaculate.
Written May 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad G
Red Oak, TX12 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Course conditions were less than desirable, greens were very thin or bare, fairways were weedy and traps were inconsistent. We had tee times four weeks in advance and when we got there, they had just recently aerified the back nine greens, still had to pay full rate and were never notified of the aerification until we were on the range. If you are looking to play a beautiful golf course in Oahu, play Ko Olina!
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JPJP
2 contributions
Jul 2022
While staying at the resort, we had a great time playing golf here on Palmer course. Course conditions were good, and the mild wind cooled us off while playing during the afternoon. The scenic 17th hole was a beauty - we took a bunch of photos. The staffs are also super friendly and helpful. Alex in particular had saved our game by finding our range finder that we lost somewhere in the front 9. Definitely coming back during our next vacation!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike0884
9 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We had the best time! Although the green fees and rental fees are a bit pricey, the conditions of the fairway and the greens were immaculate. The pace of play was excellent also. Highly recommend anyone looking to golf near the north shore!
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff A
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Very disappointed in this high-end golf course and not worth the money. The course is not in the best of shape and the staff is lacking in both number and hospitability. The worst part of the experience was the lack of amenities available on the course; i.e. drinks of any kind! There is no "turn" as the 9th hole is located seemingly miles from anything. No drink shack or drink cart, no nothing. When we finished and got back to the club house the staff kind of gave the shoulder shrug and said lack of play didn't support at drink cart person. Plus, they didn't offer to clean clubs or help with our personal golf bags. This is not the service I expect at an expensive golf resort. Do not recommend to anyone.
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lwelshCO
Denver, CO260 contributions
Dec 2013 • Solo
Turtle Bay – Fazio, Palmer Courses
Fees: $185 Palmer, $115 Fazio. Or, play Fazio in morning and add Palmer in afternoon for only $35 more! THIS IS A DEAL!!!
Pro:
- Palmer was my favorite course of the ten I played in Hawaii!
- Courses have lots of awards and “top golf course” list placements – deservedly so
- Great ocean views on several holes
- Very high level of service and professionalism
- Course very well maintained
- Great on site restaurant – very good food, very nice service, fair prices
Con
- A little further from Waikiki, but it’s a pretty drive (took me 1 hour and 5 minutes to get there)
Palmer difficulty: from 4,800 to 7,200 yards, from 68.0 to 74.4 rating (felt harder to me)
Fazio difficulty: From 5,400 to 6,770; 66.6 to 73.8
Thoughts
- Fazio is easier; Palmer is tougher (more water and sand to work around; blind shots)
- Wasn’t windy when I played, but it could be a factor on many of the holes
- Greens pristine and challenging to read on Palmer. Easier on Fazio.
VERDICT: This is probably the course you are daydreaming about when you think about golf in Hawaii
PLease hit "helpful" if appropriate
Fees: $185 Palmer, $115 Fazio. Or, play Fazio in morning and add Palmer in afternoon for only $35 more! THIS IS A DEAL!!!
Pro:
- Palmer was my favorite course of the ten I played in Hawaii!
- Courses have lots of awards and “top golf course” list placements – deservedly so
- Great ocean views on several holes
- Very high level of service and professionalism
- Course very well maintained
- Great on site restaurant – very good food, very nice service, fair prices
Con
- A little further from Waikiki, but it’s a pretty drive (took me 1 hour and 5 minutes to get there)
Palmer difficulty: from 4,800 to 7,200 yards, from 68.0 to 74.4 rating (felt harder to me)
Fazio difficulty: From 5,400 to 6,770; 66.6 to 73.8
Thoughts
- Fazio is easier; Palmer is tougher (more water and sand to work around; blind shots)
- Wasn’t windy when I played, but it could be a factor on many of the holes
- Greens pristine and challenging to read on Palmer. Easier on Fazio.
VERDICT: This is probably the course you are daydreaming about when you think about golf in Hawaii
PLease hit "helpful" if appropriate
Written December 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fauxy
Henderson, Nevada25 contributions
Turtle Bay Resort is NOT a Hilton property anymore. However, since major renovations were made, the facilities are nothing but first-class. Beds were comfortable and linens were crisp and good quality high thread count. (This is important to me, anyway.) You are treated to a nice, fluffy down comforter with clean, crisp duvet. Great marble bathrooms with large closets. You open the sliding doors to a lanai with a fantastic view of the ocean that stretches for miles and miles. ALL rooms have ocean view. ALL rooms.
The front desk reps were very friendly. However, the first time we visited, there was a problem with our reservations....they couldn't be found. So make sure you confirm and reconfirm right before you arrive. Be forewarned that there is a $12 "resort fee" that is not disclosed to you until you check-in.
I would highly recommend this resort. DO not confuse Turtle Bay Resort with the Estates at Turtle Bay. They are not run by the same management. Turtle Bay resort also offers beach cottages that will run you about $700/night. There are also 2 bedroom suites available with the same luxurious amenities. Turtle Bay Resort seems to want to cater to travellers who enjoy facilities comparable to Marriot Vacations or Four Seasons. They can get pretty close. We will be going back every year so I'll try to keep everyone abreast of any changes in service or accommodations if and when they occur. This resort is very highly recommended. Be warned that this facility is very costly. At least $220 per standard room.
The front desk reps were very friendly. However, the first time we visited, there was a problem with our reservations....they couldn't be found. So make sure you confirm and reconfirm right before you arrive. Be forewarned that there is a $12 "resort fee" that is not disclosed to you until you check-in.
I would highly recommend this resort. DO not confuse Turtle Bay Resort with the Estates at Turtle Bay. They are not run by the same management. Turtle Bay resort also offers beach cottages that will run you about $700/night. There are also 2 bedroom suites available with the same luxurious amenities. Turtle Bay Resort seems to want to cater to travellers who enjoy facilities comparable to Marriot Vacations or Four Seasons. They can get pretty close. We will be going back every year so I'll try to keep everyone abreast of any changes in service or accommodations if and when they occur. This resort is very highly recommended. Be warned that this facility is very costly. At least $220 per standard room.
Written June 17, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carfaxdave
surrey, british columbia207 contributions
My wife and I spent 5 nights at Turtle Bay Resort July 4 to 9, 2011. We loved the resort and on July 8 had a late lunch at the golf course. I am an avid golfer and I used to work in the golf industry, so my wife encouraged me to play a round of golf even though I had not brought my clubs to Hawaii (this trip was about romance, not golf - or so my wife told me before we left on vacation). Anyways, we went into the pro shop after lunch to make inquiries about golf and rentals, only to be met by some of the rudest pro shop employees I have encountered in 35 years of playing the game. I wanted to ask to speak with the Pro or Director of Golf, but my wife only wanted to get out of the place.
In hindsight, the rude kid behind the cash register probably saved me $140 x 2 in green fees, $60 for powercart rental, and $90 in club rentals. Not to mention a dozen golf balls and a couple of Turtle Bay Golf Club golf shirts.
So instead of dropping $500 for the wife and I to play golf, they get this lousy TripAdvisor review! Sadly, perhaps, we liked the resort itself so much, that we'll probably play golf anyways the next time we are at Turtle Bay Resort...golfaholic that I am.
In hindsight, the rude kid behind the cash register probably saved me $140 x 2 in green fees, $60 for powercart rental, and $90 in club rentals. Not to mention a dozen golf balls and a couple of Turtle Bay Golf Club golf shirts.
So instead of dropping $500 for the wife and I to play golf, they get this lousy TripAdvisor review! Sadly, perhaps, we liked the resort itself so much, that we'll probably play golf anyways the next time we are at Turtle Bay Resort...golfaholic that I am.
Written July 10, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there showers available in the clubhouse, we’re catching a flight home afternoon our round?
Written March 3, 2020
I don’t remember seeing showers and the toilets are used by the restaurant so I’m thinking that there wasn’t any. Email the club I’m sure they will answer this question they are very helpful.
Written March 3, 2020
Hi David, did u stay at the resort or nearby? And as a weekly social golfer, accurate but not a huge hitter are the courses still enjoyable to play? Many thanks
Written September 2, 2018
With the wind I would suggest moving up a tee from your home course. From there, the courses are in such great shape that you should have a great time. Do watch the hole-by-hole videos provided by the course on YouTube before going. Note that if you are driving through the central island to get to the course allow extra time to drive through the NorthShore/Sunset Beach area. Traffic can be weird.
Written December 27, 2018
I am a PGA Professional and would like to contact the Head Professional or Director of Golf, how do I do so? I could not find their names or contact info on website
Written December 3, 2015
If you are a PGA professional then you probably know that you can contact the PGA itself for a list of members and their home courses.
Written December 4, 2015
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