A mix of links golf and tree-lined fairways, the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort tests the best on Oahu

KAHUKU, Hawaii -- The current home of the LPGA's SBS Open and former site of a Champions Tour event, the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort has a solid playing history.

Atypical of many golf courses in Hawaii, Turtle Bay's Palmer Course is a nice mix of links golf and tree-lined fairways that are almost more reminiscent of Florida than the Aloha State. This Oahu golf course features five sets of tees and from the tips, it tests the best players. Recently, the Palmer Course also was named as the site of the Hawaii State Open, which will also be played on its sister layout, the older George Fazio Course at Turtle Bay.

The Palmer Course is known for its heavily bunkered par-4 17th hole, which provides the only good view of the Pacific Ocean, but there are many other solid holes as well. Despite the limited ocean view, there are 17 holes with water, many of them built around attractive lagoons.

The golf course is also one of a growing trend to feature paspalum fairways and greens. Playing conditions are always excellent given that this type of turf thrives in tropical climates.

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - hole 17

The 17th on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort provides the only ocean view on the course, but it's worth the wait.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer G.C. - hole 12

The 529-yard par-5 12th on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is reachable in two, but risky with water left of the green.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - hole 13

The par-3 13th on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort plays some 200 yards from the tips over water.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - hole 3

The par-5 third on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is a medium length par-5 that can play extremely long into the prevailing wind.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer G.C. - hole 4

At 224 yards, the par-3 fourth hole on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is a difficult early test.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - hole 5

The par-4 fifth on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is a dogleg left with seven treacherous bunkers.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - hole 6

The 452-yard sixth hole on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort features water down most of the right side.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer golf course - hole 7

At 394 yards, the seventh on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is a shortish par 4, but plenty of peril looms on the second shot.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - hole 8

The par-3 eighth on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort isn't long, but the green can present some difficult pin positions.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer G.C. - hole 9

At 574 yards, the ninth is the second longest par 5 on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer golf course - trees

Giant ironwood trees give the ninth on the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort plenty of character.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf

Turtle Bay Resort - restaurant

Before or after a round of golf at Turtle Bay Resort, Lei Lei's is a great place to grab a bite.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf