Getting To Know: Poipu Bay Golf Course

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Craig Sasada who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.


Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Poipu Bay is an 18 hole championship course situated on 210 oceanfront acres. Designed by Robert Trent Jone Jr., this links style course features spectacular vistas and rugged ocean bluffs. Poipu Bay Golf Course was home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 - 2006. During this 13 year run, Tiger Woods was a participant 8 times winning seven of them.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf On The Island, Why Should They Play Your Course?
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that will be enjoyable for both the novice or scratch player. This ocean front course was built in 1991 with no intention of building any homes around it. Thus providing the great mountain and ocean views.


What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Wind is usually a factor here in Hawaii so don't be afraid take more club against the wind and swing a little easier producing a lower ball flight with less spin.

We changed out our greens here back in 2010 to a seashore paspalum hybrid (supreme). The biggest difference going from bermuda to paspalum would be grain with bermuda being grain dominant. With the new paspalum greens grain is much less thus producing less break.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
GolfWeek Top 100 Resorts Courses GolfWeek top courses to play in Hawaii Golf Magazine Silver Medal Golf Resorts

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
The 16th hole is our signature hole here at Poipu Bay. This dog leg left par four measures over 500 yards from the back with the Pacific Ocean to your left and fairway bunkers to your right. The teeing ground is elevated with the normal trade winds at your back helping with this demanding tee shot. A long second shot will require precision into this very long green measuring 150' from front to back. A par on this hole is very good score.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
I think my favorite hole here is the 18th. It is a risk reward par 5 that has water in play on the second shot should you go for it. If in position to go for it in two making birdie or even an eagle may be a possibility. However a bogey or double bogey is ever looming with water in play.


Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
The course record here is 59 shot by Phil Mickelson in the second round of the 2004 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6956
Slope: 128
Rating: 74.5

More Information
Poipu Bay Golf Course
2250 Ainako St.
Koloa, HI, 96756
808-742-8711
www.poipubaygolf.com