Chances are you’ve seen Waialae Country Club on television, hosting the world’s best on the PGA TOUR for the Sony Open in Hawaii each January, and asked yourself that very question. The short answer is no, the general public cannot simply book a tee time to play Waialae. This article, however, will break down what it takes to actually play this beautiful and historic course, explain what makes it so special from a player's perspective, and give you some phenomenal public golf alternatives on Oahu.
Waialae Country Club is a private, member-owned club, and its policies are standard for an institution of its stature. This means access to the golf course, clubhouse, and all other facilities is strictly limited to members and their invited guests. Unlike a resort or municipal course where you can call the pro shop or book online, Waialae operates to serve its membership.
The aura of exclusivity is part of its charm and tradition. Founded in 1927, its classic Seth Raynor design and breathtaking oceanfront setting have made it one of the most desirable tee times in the world. When you watch the pros navigate its palm-lined fairways, you’re watching them play on a course that has maintained its classic character while testing the best players for decades. Getting to walk those same fairways feels special precisely because not everyone gets the opportunity.
While you can't just pick up the phone and make a tee time, there are a few potential pathways to finding yourself on the first tee. These aren't easy shortcuts, but they are legitimate ways that non-members sometimes get to experience the course. Think of this as your strategic guide to teeing it up at a true classic.
This is, by far, the most common and straightforward way to play Waialae. Members are your key to the course. If you have a friend, business associate, or family member who is a member, they can invite you as their guest. Typically, the member must accompany their guests on the course and is responsible for all associated fees.
So, network! If you're traveling to Oahu for business, put the word out amongst your colleagues. If you're a member of a club at home, ask your head professional if they have any connections. Building relationships is part of the fabric of private club golf, and it's your best bet here.
This is a fantastic option for a couple of reasons: you get to play an amazing course, and you're supporting a good cause. Many high-end private clubs, including Waialae, host a limited number of outside events each year for charities or corporate functions. To find these:
These events can be pricey, with entry fees often running into the thousands of dollars per foursome, but the price includes your golf, food, beverages, and a donation to a worthwhile cause.
If you have the means, this is the ultimate way to play Waialae. Each year during the week of the Sony Open, the tournament hosts a Pro-Am where amateurs get to tee it up with a PGA TOUR professional in a tournament setting. You'll play the course under tournament conditions and get an inside-the-ropes view of how masters of the game prepare and compete.
Be prepared, as this experience comes with a hefty price tag, often in the five-figure range. The package typically includes your spot in the Pro-Am, lavish gifts, invitations to exclusive parties, and tickets for the entire tournament week. It's a bucket-list golf experience, but one that is financially out of reach for most.
Some private clubs have reciprocal agreements with other private clubs around the country and the world. If you are a member of a prestigious private club yourself, you can ask your head professional or General Manager to inquire if any such arrangement exists with Waialae Country Club. This is usually reserved for clubs of similar stature and is not a given. It's a long shot, but worth an ask if you're in the position to do so.
Beyond the TV fame and beautiful setting, Waialae is a strategic masterpiece. From a golf coach's point of view, it’s a brilliant examination of a player's all-around game. It rewards smart play over brute force.
The course was designed by Seth Raynor, a legendary golf architect who specialized in "template" holes - replicas of exceptional holes from the British Isles. At Waialae, you’ll find famous templates like:
Playing Waialae is like taking a walking tour through golf history. These designs have stood the test of time and provide a more thought-provoking challenge than many modern courses.
Waialae isn't exceptionally long by modern standards, but it defends itself beautifully. The fairways are lined with mature trees, and the constant Hawaiian trade winds place a premium on controlling your ball flight. The tight doglegs on several holes, like the par-4 first and second, force you to position the ball on the correct side of the fairway to have a clear angle to the green. The flat landscape and small, subtly contoured greens can be deceptive. A simple-looking ten-foot putt can have a surprising amount of break. It’s a course that tests your patience, your strategy, and your iron play above all else.
So, the reality is that most visitors to Oahu won't be able to play Waialae. The good news? The island is flush with truly outstanding public-access golf courses that will give you an unforgettable Hawaiian golf experience.
Here are a few I highly recommend:
Located on the sunny leeward side of the island, Ko Olina is a Ted Robinson design famous for its immaculate conditions, water features, and resort-style playability. It hosts the LPGA’s LOTTE Championship, so you know it's a championship-caliber test. It’s more forgiving than Waialae but offers stunning beauty and is always in perfect shape.
Situated on the iconic North Shore, Turtle Bay offers two distinct courses:
Another former host of LPGA and Champions Tour events, Kapolei is a brilliantly designed Ted Robinson course that weaves through groves of flowering plants and five large lagoons. The strategic bunkering and water hazards keep you honest, and like Ko Olina, it is known for being in pristine condition year-round.
Getting to play Waialae Country Club is a rare privilege, typically requiring a direct connection to a member. While its private nature means most golfers will only see it on TV, understanding the 'why' behind its exclusivity and the few potential paths to playing it adds to its mystique. If you can't get on, Oahu still delivers an epic golf trip with its roster of first-class public courses.
Whether you’re fortunate enough to navigate Waialae’s strategic template holes or taking on a beautiful public track like Ko Olina, smart course management is paramount. Knowing when to be aggressive and what club to pull for that tricky approach shot can make all the difference. We designed Caddie AI to give you that expert-level guidance, right in your pocket. Having an AI golf coach analyze hole layouts, suggest a strategy for a tough lie, or just confirm your own read gives you incredible confidence to commit to your shot. It helps you take the guesswork out of the game so you can focus on simply enjoying a memorable round in paradise.
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