Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Matthew Thayer
Overview
Our highest-ranked course of the three at the Wailea Golf Club, the Gold course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design on Maui’s southwest coast. The layout has plenty of elevation changes and ocean views, especially on the front nine, which several of our course-ranking panelists have noted is the better of the two sides. The most demanding course of the three at Wailea from tee to green, the Gold has well-placed fairway bunkers and a few forced carries over deep ravines. Though with five sets of tees, there’s a playable option for every handicap. In the early 2000s, the course hosted the Champions Skins Game, an exhibition with some of the best players from the over-50 circuit.
About
Awards
100 Greatest Public: Ranked from 2009-'16. Highest ranking: T-74, 2011-'12.
Best in State: Ranked ninth, 2011-'12. Ranked inside the top 10, 2005, 2009-'10. Ranked 12th, 2023-'24. Ranked 13th, 2015-'18, 2021-'22. Ranked 14th, 2013-'14, 2019-'20. Ranked inside the top 15, 2007.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Very solid golf course and a little more affordable than others on Maui. Conditioning was great and some amazing views on last few holes. As host of several HGA events this felt like a favorite place for locals who are serious about golf."
Read More2021
Review
“Wailea Gold is a fairly traditional course with the occasional lava hazard. It is reputed to be the best and most challenging of the Wailea courses, but I did not play the others so I cannot confirm. Would be a fun course to play regularly or once on vacation. The ocean is visible from certain spots."
Read More2021
Review
“A well laid out fun golf course in very good condition. Well worth the time to play here."
Read More2020
Review
“Best of 3 courses at Wailea Golf Club"
Read More2020
Review
“Overpriced and Overrated course. Soft conditions. Some good holes but a bunch of weak ones"
Read More2019
Review
“The Gold course is a more interesting piece of property than the Emerald course. Some compelling risk and reward adds to the shot values. Very scenic with some great views. Worthy of being one of Maui's trophy courses."
Read More2018
Review
“This is a player's course. The Emerald is a bit more user-friendly but this course is demanding from start to finish. It is always immaculate. The shot values oare strong and any good score here is well earned."
Read More2018
Review
“Very nice resort course, superb views, fun to play"
Read More2018
Review
“Wailea Gold continues to be one of the best courses in Hawaii. Very challenging from the back tees, the gold course has generous fairways, has a good routing, and has greens that are not too grainy. The clubhouse is very nice, the staff is pretty friendly and overall the facilities are good. The practice range is a bit of a disappointment, but for a quick warm up will suit. Gannon's restaurant has a terrific bar to hang out after the round and watch some sports and grab a drink and bite to eat."
Read More2018
Review
“Pretty good resort course. Has a little elevation change and a few interesting holes."
Read More2018
Review
“Mild edge to Gold over the neighboring Emerald although both are good courses. Spectacular scenery and above average golf."
Read More2018
Readers
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