WAILEA BLUE COURSE
Designed by Arthur Jack Snyder in 1971.

HIGHLIGHTS BY DA GAME SHOW HOST DAVE WARD

The first course built in Wailea, not overly fancy or resortish (a new word) but fun and challenging nonetheless. Fairways are wide, and there is little trouble off the tees, which is a good thing. Hole No. 8 is one of my favorites—420 yards, trees left, bunker right, second shot to a long elevated
green—4 is a real good score here. I really like the friendly, local atmosphere of this course, and no place can beat the 19th Hole at the Blue: Mulligan’s, an authentic Irish pub to settle your bets and drown your sorrows.

OVERVIEW

For scratch golfers Wailea Old Blue is Maui’s 4th easiest from the tips. Bogey golfers playing from the ‘whites’ will score better here than even on the Emerald, with the USGA rating it as Maui’s 3rd easiest from the whites. Forward-thinking golfers who play the red tees will find it is also Maui’s 3rd easiest, and for ladies it is just a paltry two-tenths of a shot stronger than the Emerald.
0
HOLES
0
PAR
0
SLOPE
0
YARDS

TEE-TO-GREEN

The Old Blue effectively plays to its shortish length. There are about as many uphill shots as there are downhill ones. Roll is a little less extreme, but several holes do have slopes that run away from where you want to be. Roughs are cut short and allow for recovery, although many greens are narrow targets and can be tricky to hit or hold from the short side. The few sharp doglegs favor mostly the draw, although a fade is the shot off several tees. The Blue’s topography is hilly with fairways often lower than the tees and greens, except on two of the reachable par 5s. Several holes may feature a side-, up-, or downhill lie or stance depending on where you place your drives. The green sizes are large and hold very well. Most are bunkered to the sides more than in front. Hole locations are mostly level. Fear isn’t an emotion you will feel much of on the Blue.
DIFFICULTY
HAZARDS AND ROUGHS
GREEN SIZES

EDITOR’S NOTES

Unlike the courses on the West Side, which were built on old sugar cane and pineapple fields, Wailea’s 54-holes were all carved out of lava rock! The stark contrast between these two types of course construction is evident in the way holes can change elevation so radically and in short order, as opposed to a a gentle slope. You really get the sense that you’re playing golf on the side of a volcano here, only the Gold is very lush and features preserved Hawaiian archeological treasures, such as lava outcroppings.
FOR THE MEEK
ROOM FOR ERROR
WOW FACTOR

FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

The Blue Course has returned to its original clubhouse where a multi-million-dollar update has occurred to bring the facility into the new era. Manoli’s Pizza Company dominates the open-air structure, but so too do a fleet of shops and the course’s own luxe pro shop, which features lavish solid wood built-ins and recessed ceilings and big windows opening up views for all. Expanded parking, new cart staging, and lots of room to roam.
0
LO°
0
MEAN°
0
HI°
0
RAIN

CONCLUSIONS

The Blue Course is an uncomplicated, championship par 71 golf course with an outstanding maintenance crew and a staff that just won’t quit. This is the best of resort golf as it used to be and is today. The return home to the original, albeit renewed, clubhouse has invigorated
the crew, and for good reason: all the attention of late has been showered on her Gold and Emerald sisters. But the management at Wailea are wise to the market’s wants and needs and the Blue fills a value niche in this trendy and fashionable luxe resort.
Photos
Video Clip
WAILEA BLUE COURSE INTRODUCTION
Course Details
Tees Tee Rating (M) Slope (M) Rating (W) Slope (W) OUT IN TOT
Gold Tsunami Black 71.6 129 n/a n/a 3346 3199 6545
Blue Wipe Out White 69.8 126 76.2 130 3164 3009 6173
White Shore Break Gold 64.5 113 69.4 117 2581 2456 5037
Red The Blue Wave 29.2 97 29.3 90 1617 0 1617
Year Built: 1971
Greens: Tifton 328
Fairways: Bermuda
Practice Range: No
Lessons: Yes
GPS Tracking: Yes
Metal Spikes: No
Walking: No
Fivesomes: No
Pro Shop: Yes
Lockers/Showers: Yes
Rental Shoes/Clubs: Yes
Cart Fees: Included
Rider Fee: Yes
Twilight Rates: Yes
Online Booking: Yes
Restaurant: Yes
Bar: Yes
Architect: Arthur Jack Snyder
Head Golf Pro: Brenda Rego, PGA
Superintendent: Steve Olsen
Contact

Wailea Blue Course

100 Wailea Ike Drive
Kihei, HI 96753
www.waileagolf.com
(808) 875-7450
Related Projects