Robert Ruchinskas

Was anxious to get back to Mauna Kea as I played there last year and found it one of the tougher resort courses, mainly based on the par 3's which were all playing 180+. The par fours were also no pushover, particularly if the wind was blowing. Unfortunately, perhaps because of the drought which is afflicting the three islands which I visited (Big Island, Maui, Lania), the greens were not up to par. I took one of the pictures below to show the strength of the wind the day I played but is shows the patchiness of the greens. I also realized that there is a repetitiveness to this course as the par 3's are generally all the same distance, the 9th and 18th are essentially the same downhill par 4's, and there are other 4's and 5's throughout the course which seem to repeat themselves with doglegs right/left and raised greens. All in all a fine course which can be quite a challenge but not as good as in my past visit. Also I found the famous initial teebox for the par 3 3rd which was so long that Jack saw the distance and reportedly said that there was no way he was playing from that box so it's quite pristine nowadays.

The last time I played this course it was called the Challenge at Manele so I was excited to get to play it again after all these years. I had forgotten how visually stunning it was. I have just read Mike Keiser's most recent book where he requested that the architect at one of his newer courses provide as many "infinity greens" that have the land ending at the green with the seascape as the background as possible. He would have been quite pleased with Manele as there is an abundance of these, along with the cliffside hangers, that caused me to take as more pictures of this course than any other during a two week trip to the Big Island, Maui, and Lanai. There is some local knowledge to come into play here as there are a few holes where it there is an all or none decision from the teebox or the fairway, such as the 5th and 6th, where laying up is the smart play once you've looked back at the hole, and others where knowing how far to place the ball based on the contours comes into play. Still, this is a visually stunning course and pace of play, even when crowded, is likely 3.5 hours at most. The front 9 tends to wind its way up the slopes which allows views of the ocean on most every hole while the back is closer to the cliffs with the infinity greens. Worth the time and expense to play this here, as while it is technically a resort course, it is a challenge and the service is, of course, top notch.

It's been quite a while since I played Kapalua and I was anxious to get back to see it after the renovations. Unfortunately I chose a brutally windy day and the course that I recall as being one of the most fun in the world turned into a brute. Starting from the first hole (downwind) where the approach shot hit the front of the green and settled for a 30 yard putt into the grain and wind set the course for the day. Having to hit well before the green and hoping that it would stop within 50 feet became the standard for the downhill holes. Also I had forgotten about the number of blind tee shots, which are more than expected, as the joy of hitting driver/9 iron into 17 and driver/less than expected into 18 wipes these distractions out of mind after you finish. Still, it was frustrating hitting good shots into the front of greens only to see them roll well away or even off the green into the native area. You realize how well the pros play but also how this can be a beast when the winds are up. Still you get to look at the ocean, neighboring islands, and foliage for a pleasant distraction. Pace of play can be a challenge due to the difficulty of this course for the average golfer and the desire to take it all in so plan on 5+ hours, perhaps longer on blustery days, but this course is worth playing at least once.

This is truly a resort course. Not the most difficult resort course on the island as that honor goes to Mauna Kea, but also not the traditional, standard resort course like Waikoloa Beach, or Kaanapali or Walea on Maui. First off the conditioning of the course was excellent as was the service. The head pro was very personable and was quite open that this was not the place to go to be challenged but rather to enjoy an enjoyable day of golf. The fairways are wide, the greens, despite being told that they had been renovated during the pandemic closure to incorporate more break, were still generally flat but pure, and the bunkering was primarily for show not hazard. Unless the wind is up you can shoot a really good score here and, as others have noted, 17 is certainly the photo opp hole. 18 was somewhat weak as again the bunkering was for show more than for fear but it's always nice to finish with a birdie.

This is a course with multiple really amazing views and multiple quirky holes. As has been noted in prior reviews, the number of blind shots, downhill plays to greens which may not hold the ball (despite the grabby nature of pasalum), and the need to fit the course into this quite varied landscape make this a challenge not always worth the views which accompany the holes. The first four holes are set in the valley and are straightforward. After the 4.5 minute cart ride to the second comfort station, which has an amazing view, the next hole starts the quirky nature of the course. This hole, along with the snaking par 5 on the back, reminded me so much of Mahogany Run in St. Thomas and the Four Seasons Course in Nevis that I had to make sure that Jack had not designed all of those properties. Regardless, this started a series of holes on this course which featured blind shots, the need to use sideboards or backboards, and split fairways which were unseen that the whole experience was unsettled. Certainly if you play here enough and learn the quirks they become familiar but the overall sense for a first timer somewhat odd. Again, some spectacular holes along the ocean (although many of them were quirky) and commanding views from holes 5 and on. The comfort stations were great. Not the best in the area as I believe that Diamante has a better food and liquor selection but certainly places to linger and enjoy the scenery and company. Overall this course is definitely worth playing once, perhaps more if you can get off peak rates, or if you just want a great day of fantastic views and are willing to sacrifice some golf balls to the unseen shots in front of you. And, as a warning, you probably don't want to play when the wind is up as it tends to blow harder here than on the Sea of Cortez side. Lastly, I'm sure the esthetics of this course will change over time with the development which is already starting, as the 17th hole is being rerouted as we speak and the course was nice enough to offer a discount on the rate as it was being played as a par 3 until the new hole has grown in. Lots of properties being planned to change the nature of these unspoiled views but that is par for the course on the Pacific side of Cabo.

I didn't play this course prior to the update by DLIII so I can't compare the prior to the current course. I can compare it to other courses on the island and truthfully you pay for the conditioning, which was excellent, and the service, which was good, although for the price getting more than a small range bag of balls would be expected. There's the ocean par 3, pictured below, which is one of 2 on the island on the ocean dunes (although there's more of an ocean view at Palmetto Dunes) but otherwise the course is not distinguishable from others on the island except for the conditioning. A good amount of water hazards are on the course and the holes are interesting, albeit not memorable, and the finishing holes play tough when there's a wind from the north. Worth playing if you're staying in Sea Pines however I prefer some of the other courses on the island.

I agree with the previous reviewer in that the course presents visually as tighter than it really is in reality. Certainly you want to be in the correct landing spot in order to have the best approach to the green but being in the wrong spot didn't automatically rule out par or better, particularly if you can work the ball even slightly. I actually played close to my handicap here despite fighting my swing on the back and having to accept bogies on holes that were not always an easy par but certainly not automatically over par. That being said it's not a course that I would want to play every day as while the conditions were fantastic and the last few holes are scenic there's not enough there to justify the price and the slower pace of play. Still worth playing once, if not a few times.

I agree with the other reviews in that this course will only improve as it grows in over time. This is a stark, dramatic piece of property with some ghost trees, less gorse than Pacific and Bandon Dunes, and no sand bunkers. It's the northernmost track on the property and certainly can get windy in the afternoon and even more so than the other tracks. I also agree with the rater who had Pacific, Bandon Dunes, Sheep Ranch, and Old Mac/Trails as the order of best courses. The oceanside holes are spectacular, particularly #6 and #16 but even an inland hole like the par 5 #11 is worth the trip. #16 was only 92 yards one day with the flag as front as possible with a 25-30mph wind into and towards the ocean and it was one of the most unsettling shots I've ever had. Alternately, next round a partner went long on #3, which shares the football sized three-tiered green and ended up using a hybrid for that length and uphill putt. Only downsides I can see are the extreme imbalance of the 9's with the front playing a short 34 and mostly downwind and the back being a much longer par 38 mostly into the wind. Also the par 5 #18 is quite short and somewhat anti-climatic but after getting beat up on the back it's nice to finish with an easy birdie. Real good addition to the course rotation at Bandon and I look forward to playing it again as it matures.

Prestwick certainly has the history but overall it's a quirky links course that has some of everything -- long par fours, blind shots, massive bunkers, drivable par 4's, etc. It feels somewhat constrained as like some other links courses we played on the trip you are close to the seaside but rarely get to see the ocean (although did have people walking across the course to get to the beach). Conditions were great, the weather was warm, sunny, and mildly breezy and the clubhouse staff and caddies were excellent. Worth a visit to experience the history but not rushing back to play this again when there are other options in the area.

This was the last stop in a 12 course tour of the Ireland, Scotland, and the UK and we got the full Irish here as the wind was up and they had let the rough grow for a recent amateur tournament. Thus this was one of the few places where going into the wind was brutal but going downwind was not a great advantage either as it was almost impossible to stop a ball if you landed it on the green. Not to mention the crosswinds taking the ball into the rough which, upon first inspection, appeared better than what I was in at Birkdale the prior day but was easily as bad if not worse in many places. Only downside of the course is being in the flight path of Dublin airport lessens some of the natural beauty of this seaside links but it's worth playing multiple times.

Such a great course. We lucked out and had the "favourable" wind and brilliant sunshine but truly a thinking man's course. Bunkers were a challenge on most every hole except the ones where the burn came into play. Was lulled into a false sense of security by playing well on the front but the back certainly has teeth. Clubhouse staff, caddies, restaurant staff, etc. were all excellent and I'd return to this stern test in a heartbeat.

My second time playing Castletown in the past few years and I continue to believe that this is a hidden gem. Three years ago we played the first 9 in a pouring rain and were lucky enough to have sunny and generally calm conditions this time. Regardless of the weather this course is just fun to play with numerous challenges, lovely scenery, and some spectacular holes coming in. They are reportedly changing the 18th to bring the coastline more into play and that, coupled with 17, will be a truly memorable finish. Lastly, I have to compliment the pro shop and restaurant staff as they truly went out of their way, both visits, to make us feel welcome.

Played on a wonderful sunny day with only a breeze so the course likely played easier than usual. Still the course has plenty of teeth but, that being said, struck me as quite fair no matter the conditions. Interesting routing, great views, and a solid challenge of golf. Nice of them to have a 1/2 price replay within a few days of the initial round as I certainly wanted to go back and experience Kingsbarns as much as possible. Played the sister course at Castle Stuart a few days later and I, along with others in my group, would give Kingsbarns the nod by a hair but both are fantastic experiences.

While the old standards are certainly my favorites the newcomers such as Castle Stuart are no slouches. Had the pleasure of playing here on a sunny, windy day and it was a treat. The variety of holes, wind conditions, and the scenery were spectacular. Played the "sister" course Kingsbarns a few days earlier and would give it the nod over Castle Stuart by a nose but both were a treat and strong examples of how moving considerable amounts of earth can look natural.

Been lucky enough to play RCD twice in the last three years and each time the weather has been spectacular and allowed play in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt under brilliant sunshine. The addition of a range has been a pleasant surprise since my last visit. Little to add to the other reviews as the challenge of this course remains strong but it is fair if you keep the ball straight and have the proper line. If not the views make up for any frustrations. Still feel like the last few holes are not as strong as others but overall I would return here in a heartbeat.

I have to agree with the other reviewer in that this is a course where little stands out as memorable. While you get frequent ocean views I preferred the Desert course at Cabo Del Sol, despite the nearby highway, to this as the 2nd course at either resort. Again, despite the Ocean views, it felt as if it could be one of many courses in Arizona and didn't really capture my imagination. Green complexes were huge (some 30-40 yards long) but unlike the Dunes they were not bowled so this course played more difficult (although the wind was up that day). Similar to the Dunes the service, caddies, food and drink stations, etc., were all top notch. Perhaps the course will grow on me but compared to the dramatic routing in the Dunes Tiger's effort was good but not great. It will also be interesting to see how his next course at Diamante compares to his first effort in course design.

Having played the Ocean Course at Cabo Del Sol the day prior which, in some rankings, is in the top 100, I was not prepared for the difference in quality as the Dunes is well deserving of the ranking and blows the Ocean Course away. The magnificence of the sand dunes, which come into play on most of the holes, was stunning. Similar in some ways to links in Ireland and some in Scotland but much warmer! The service is outstanding and the comfort stations that you encounter every 3 or 4 holes are fantastic for the food and drink. Pace of play can be 4.5 hours due to the frequent stops but this is a fantastic golf course and I'm glad to have played there on both windy and calm days. Only quibbles are that some of the par 3's are ridiculously long, even downwind, but the course is overall fair but challenging. Also the 17th hole has become 18 due to the addition of the Hard Rock and Nobu hotels which also caused the shifting of dunes on a signature hole and the loss of an unobstructed view of the ocean. Still this is an unbelievable course that should be played if you have the chance.

This course certainly has many "wow" holes along the ocean and is a stern test of golf elsewise as the amount of sand that flanks the fairways means that you are having a frustrating day by hole #6 if you're not hitting it in the correct places. Still I find it difficult that this course lands in the top 100 on some lists as it is a wonderful course but is overshadowed by Dunes at Diamante and Quivera (along with growing competition from the other new courses in the area). As has been mentioned pace of play can be a problem but it's not hard to admire the views as you wait. Worth playing but I'd play some other courses in the area if I have the access prior to returning.

I agree with the other reviewers in that it is difficult to be the "other" course in the shadow of a higher rated cousin. That being said this is a perfectly acceptable course which, while not on the ocean, offers plenty of ocean views and elevation changes. The fairways are generous and the greens are not too severe. The course seemed to play shorter than it's yardage as many par 5's were in 2 shot range even for the shorter hitters. Overall a fun course in great condition with the usual excellent practice facility and service expected from Cabo Del Sol.

The first review for Poipu Bay is quite accurate, both in terms of the description of the course holes and also the playability. I found it to be generous off the tee and the course conditions, despite the moisture this time of year, to be generally good. It does have a "resort" feel to the course and it's not hard to imagine the pros tearing this place up in benign conditions. It was mildly disappointing that despite being so close to the ocean the views and amount of holes playing on the coast were less than I had hoped. Service was excellent, practice facilities were strong, but pace of play was not great since it was the holiday week and crowded. Overall a good experience with a few memorable views from the holes on the back. I thought it was comparable to Makai in Princeville in terms of what they are offering but Makai had notably more views of the water and holes along the ocean.

Given that the Prince course, despite the rumored re-opening, is still closed Makai is essentially the only game in town in Princeville for the near future. The 9 hole Woods course, from what can be seen and discussions with the pro shop, is pretty rough around the edges to put it mildly. Regardless, Makai is a scenic, fun, and often challenging layout, particularly when the wind blows. The 1st hole is non-descript although is similar to many as bunkers pinch the fairways in the driving zone. That being said the fairways here are generous if not often huge so the course can be had if you're playing well. Hole #2 offers the first of two views of Hanalei Bay and the mountains behind and is a bunker lined par 5. #3 is a straight downhill par 3 that plays much shorter than the yardage and is fronted by a pond in the front and OB back and has an even better view than #2. Temporarily turning away from the water #4 is the toughest hole in the course with a tight driving area and dramatic uphill approach shot. #5 is a par five that despite playing into the wind is a birdie opportunity. Crossing the road leads to #6 that plays downhill on the 2nd shot to the Pacific ocean. Par 3 #7 forces a carry over a ravine with a great coastline view. The finishing par 4's on the front are generally unremarkable. The back 9 plays longer and often into the wind with #10 being a long par 4 with the approach shot needing to clear a fronting pond. The next par 5 is wide open and can lead to birdie despite the length and wind. #12 is a long par 4 that played into the wind all week and par was a good score. #13 is a lengthy par three with trouble on the left and par is a good score here. #14 is a downwind potentially drivable par 4 over a ravine with the Pacific on the right. #15 is a potential birdie hole if you thread or clear the bunkers, although too far right leaves a potential steep downhill approach out of thick rough. 16 is a long par 3. #17 is a long par 4 with an approach to a green fronted by a lake with bunkers behind. The finishing hole is a risk/reward par 5 where the drive can play safe or attempt to cut off distance over the lake and avoiding a centrally placed bunker. The second shot is either a lay-up to a strip on the right or going further back short of the lake on the left. Going for the green in 2 requires a long strike to clear the lake fronting the green. Overall this is a fun course with some excellent views (see pictures), a great staff, and some challenging holes. Despite all the recent rains the course conditioning was excellent overall. Perfect course for vacation rounds in this magnificent setting.

I really enjoyed this course as it is a natural beauty. Fantastic elevation changes, great views, and a strong hole routing that challenges every aspect of your game. Despite last fall and the spring/summer weather challenges the course was still in good shape but I can imagine how strong it is during normal weather. The members were fantastic in taking in this guest and showing him the way around the course with great hospitality. I'd return here in a heartbeat to see this course in prime conditions and to play a round with wonderful people.

Played Oslo in late July and despite the harsh summer I found it to be in great conditions. Overall this is a strong test of golf but quite fair. There are no trick here as the course demands are quite obvious and if you meet them you can score well. The layout has enough elevation changes to keep you on guard and also some wonderful water views that are worth a picture. Highly worth a visit although the guest green fee is substantial.

This is a very enjoyable course that starts off relatively benign and then quickly gains some steam. Holes #6 & 7 can be quite the challenge and the back also has some tight drives that will punish any wayward shots. Played in late July and the course, as most of the UK, was browned by the heat and lack of rain. Still a wonderful day of golf and talking with the members it is obvious that they take pride in their course. Hope to return again.

Such a classic course that will try to break your spirit on the front 9 with a tremendous challenge of holes that play into the prevailing wind. The summer in the UK has been brutal and left the courses here hard, fast, and dry and Walton Heath is no exception. The positives are that there's a ton of run on the fairways and that the challenges off the fairway are less severe. While the front 9 is one of the more challenging stretches of golf anywhere, the back is less punishing but still has spots you need to avoid. As others have mentioned the road noise is noticeable and can detract from the experience if you let it but why would you? Lovely set of courses, great staff, and an overall wonderful day of golf on a world class course.

Walton Heath New was a thoroughly enjoyable course that featured a tremendous amount of variety in the demands of each hole. While the course seemed less challenging than the Old this may be an illusion since the challenges are placed at various points over the course instead of the brutal test of the front 9 that is the Old. It's true that due to the unusual summer heat that the course was not as picturesque as in the past. Still that meant that the fairways were hard and fast which gave you more distance and often rolls into the rough, which was not as penal due to the lack of rain. Overall an excellent test of golf that is a fine compliment to the Old course and creates a wonderful day of golf if you play both. Great staff and very welcoming to this visitor.