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
“The course is set back on the bench a good distance from the ocean so views are limited. Several holes have a jungle feel to them. Course was not overly challenging and conditions were soft and slow the day I played. While this is a step up from the other courses at the resort, it's not in the upper tier of island courses. The majority of players are high handicap vacationers, so pace of play is also an issue. with ample places to lose errant shots. A great resort golf experience if that's what you're looking for."
Read More2025
Review
“Very intelligent golf course providing a lot of shot options for players at all levels. The aesthetics beautiful but the conditioning of the greens rolled much too slow to earn a high ranking. A very enjoyable golf course that can provide opportunity and reward for a variety of skilled golfers."
Read More2024
Review
“This public golf course resort in Wailea consists of 3 courses. The Gold and Emerald Courses share the same clubhouse and the Blue Course is located 1 mile to the north near the Grand Wailea Resort. Located 30 min south of Kahului Airport (OGG) in the south west part of Maui, Hawaii. This Robert Trent Jones, Jr design opened in 1994. The Gold Course is the most difficult of the trio and has lots more bunkers than the others."
Read More2024
Review
“Wow - beautiful setting with panoramic vistas of the Pacific. Well worth it!"
Read More2023
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
