[tec333]

Finally made it here to Oahu for our golf vacation. Staying at Turtle Bay and got the unlimited golf package. Played 36 holes today, Palmer course in the morning and Fiazo course in the afternoon.

And all I can say is WOW the Palmer course is HARD...it is like night and day compared to the Fiazo course. I usually shoot in the low to mid 80's. Got a 86 at Palmer and 87 on Fiazo...but I found the Fiazo course really easy compared to the Palmer course - but the score did not reflect it for some reason?

The greens were bumpy compared to what I am used to at my local course but the course is tough...I'm not used to it. Courses I usually play are hard because of really fast tricky greens. This course plays hard and I can not put my finger on it...its just hard. Maybe I am just not used to the wind coming into play as much.

I have another tee time tomorrow morning so I beter get rested and try to score better.

Just wanted to see if anyone has played the Palmer course and see how they rank it as far as difficulty with other courses.

[jcgrcya]

Seems like these courses are quite different than what you are used to. Enjoy the vacation!

[nebatty]

Played the Palmer course last summer, it was great but not that challenging compared to Ko'olau. Ko'olau is on the mountain east of Honalulu. Ther is almost no rough, just jungle. It was one the most evil/beautiful courses I have ever played. If you go you should take plenty of balls, at least equal to your handicap!! Enjoy!

[alpha_pro]

it must be the wind that you are not used to, as its always windier on the north shore!

[787_Pilot]

LOL

Your easy-hard comparison of the two courses at Turtle Bay is exactly like my comparison of the Makai & Prince courses at the Princeville Resort on the North Shore of Kauai.

The 27 hole Makai track is the easier of the two with gorgeous views and fairly flat layout. The 18 hole monster called the Prince Course winds thru the jungle across ravines and extreme elevation changes and is probably the most beautiful and difficult course I've ever played!

[Redhaze737]

The Palmer course is sneaky tough. You can see it out there and it seems like you should be able to just go for it. Then it kicks you in the teeth. The wind makes a big difference. If you can ever catch it on a calm day like you might get over the next several months you would shoot much lower. Sorry about the greens. I know they aerated about a month ago - maybe 6 weeks. Any course where the pros play the greens are usually nice.

You should try Koolau and since you're staying on the North shore you can just drive around the pretty side of the island to get there. It's very difficult, but if you play the resort tees and don't hit your driver it's a pleasant enough experience. A good portion of the toughness is local knowledge. The views and foliage are beautiful. The greens are VERY slow which is probably a good thing considering some of the contours on the greens.

[nyhacker]

787_Pilot, on Sep 25 2007, 02:19 PM, said:

LOL

Your easy-hard comparison of the two courses at Turtle Bay is exactly like my comparison of the Makai & Prince courses at the Princeville Resort on the North Shore of Kauai.

The 27 hole Makai track is the easier of the two with gorgeous views and fairly flat layout. The 18 hole monster called the Prince Course winds thru the jungle across ravines and extreme elevation changes and is probably the most beautiful and difficult course I've ever played!

When I was in high school my parents and I stayed at Princville and all I wanted to do was play the Prince course. It looked amazing. Too bad my paernts don't play and wanted to have family time. I am just waiting to get a chance to play it.

[themouth1]

I didn't find Turtle Bay that tough. I think you have to hit fairways and control your ball flight though...I remember thinking after I played that it was just another resort course...Maybe I was just having a good day...

[tec333]

Day two was not as bad. Score was jacked up but I am having so much fun here. I just finished another 18 at Palmer and shot an 88. Not bad since I started with a triple bogey on the first.

4th hole Par 3, I hit a 5 iron from around 183 and almost holed it....it was tracking right for the hole and ended up about 3 inches short. Closest I've had it besides hitting the pin a few months back. I can't wait to get my first hole in one.

I'm playing from the blue tees and its hard to imagine the Ladies tee up from there for the SBC open. Talk about emasculating.

I have another tee time in about an hour and a half, I have to rest up and digest my lunch....These shrimp/prawn trucks are AWESOME!

I am here another 2 days, I am hoping to get another 3 rounds in. I am hoping I break 80 while I'm out here. I'll be so happy with a 79.

[TracyS]

Koolau has been pretty rainy the last few days (I live 5 minutes from it.) But despite the rain, you still might want to give it a try. The showers pass pretty quickly anyway. The course is a bear. If you miss a fairway, it's pretty much a penalty shot. But like others have said, there are some beautiful views and you'll still have a really good time. You could also try Luana Hills. It's near Koolau and it too is cut out of the rainforest. Very challenging as well but not quite as brutal.