Stan Badz
Chris Condon
Ben Jared
Chris Condon
Chris Condon
Ben Jared
Waialae Country Club
Waialae Country Club
4997 Kahala Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816-5471
United States
Overview
Now with The Greenbrier’s Old White course out of the rotation, Waialae Country Club is the only Seth Raynor design on the PGA Tour schedule. In the 1960s, much of the front nine had to be rerouted due to the construction of a nearby hotel, but many Raynor elements can still be found, particularly after Tom Doak and his Renaissance Design team’s work over the past decade-plus. Though the now iconic ‘W’s in the trees on the 16th hole (the club’s seventh) are the most recognizable feature of the course, true architectural buffs will appreciate the par-3 17th hole and its Redan green, plus the Biarritz on the fourth.
About
Awards
ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked 9th, 2025-'26. Ranked inside the top 15, 2009.
Previous ranking: NR.
2025-'26 ranking: 9th.
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
“One of my favorite corses in the Islands, this Seth Raynor design plays completely different (depending on the wind) every time I am here. Tight fairways and firm greens require the ball to be flighted down. If the Tradewinds are blowing the scoring is much easier. If the Kona's are out, it is not an east track to navigate. A wonderful Raynor layout and a beautiful walk with outstanding views. The day that I played, the course was much softer than normal due to a large weekend storm. Fortunately the greens were very receptive and the winds had calmed down. Hats off to the agronomy team at Waialea for keeping this busy private club looking great and playing fast. Lots of local character and a fun day on Oahu."
Read More2025
Review
“Wind direction and small greens make this course a challenging gem on the coast of Oahu. A great test of golf and flighting of the ball. The Raynor design is a trust test of golf that uses the trade winds expected in Hawaii. Great green complex’s and overall conditioning make this a must visit if you are presented the opportunity."
Read More2025
Review
“Excellent golf course. Every hole speaks to you for best path to hit the ball. Traditional design in excellent condition."
Read More2024
Review
“Excellent course. Challenge for scratch player and hole shot options on the lower side for rankings but that is purely due to how far today’s golfer hits the ball. A pure Seth Rayner design and a very good golf course."
Read More2024
Review
“Waialae Country Club is one of the oldest golf courses in Hawaii and ushered in a new era of great golf to come in the 50th state. Host to the Sony Open for decades, the course has maintained itself as not only a mainstay for the PGA, but for visitors around the world. The course has an excellent combination holes that winds its way to the ocean at the 2nd hole par 3, then inland for a couple holes, back to the ocean on the 5th, then inland again, until a return to the ocean for the 7th and 8th holes. The remainder of the course plays inland. The course is a Seth Raynor design with a number of classic template holes, including the 8th Redan, the 10th which has elements of the Road hole, the 13th Biarritz and the 16th which draws from the 6th at National Golf Links. Overall a great golf course that has stood the test of time and has a classic appeal - particularly for Raynor fans. Think Raynor in the tropics - and you've got a good sense of Waialae Country Club!"
Read More2024
Review
“Seth Raynor design that has been restored by Doak with some of Raynor's classic holes like the Redan hole (8th) and Biarritz hole (13th). The wind can really make this course very challenging. Very easily walkable course that was enjoyable to play."
Read More2023
