Reviving a Classic: McLay Kidd’s Turtle Bay Overhaul

The North Shore of Oahu has long been known for its dramatic coastline, sculpted by the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean. This rugged terrain has created some of the most iconic surfing spots in the world. Now, this storied stretch will play host to a new chapter in the evolution of golf on the islands: David McLay Kidd’s renovation of Turtle Bay’s Arnold Palmer Golf Course.

Kidd is no stranger to Hawaiian terrain, having previously worked on Nanea, the state’s top-ranked course. His extensive experience has taken him from Bandon Dunes in Oregon to the rolling hills of Texas, but Oahu’s North Shore proved too great a challenge to resist.

The 50-year-old Palmer Course has been a mainstay on the island for five decades, but Kidd sees an opportunity to unlock its full potential. He aims to refine the course’s strategy while maintaining member access throughout the renovation process – a delicate balancing act that requires precision and finesse.

As Kidd notes, this project won’t involve radical overhauls or sweeping changes; instead, it’s a targeted effort to tease out the hidden gems of an already-iconic layout. “It’s not open-heart surgery,” he says, echoing the measured tone of a surgeon tackling a complex procedure.

Turtle Bay’s Palmer Course is part of the larger North Shore Club, a private residential community developed by Areté Collective. This exclusive enclave promises to bring a new level of luxury to the area, with prices starting at $5.9 million and deliveries anticipated in 2027.

The renovation will involve strategically taking offline three to five holes each summer while ensuring full access to 18 holes throughout the process. The routing will be refined to better suit Oahu’s exposed and windy conditions, including a more balanced mix of holes. One notable change is the elimination of the former 15th hole, which will improve flow and create a seamless experience.

To minimize disruption, improved cart path design will reduce fairway crossings while reduced maintained turf will lower long-term water use and maintenance demands – a thoughtful approach that nods to environmental responsibility.

Kidd has already had success with retooling existing courses like Rolling Hills Country Club overlooking Los Angeles. He asks, “Does the site warrant a 9-out-of-10 golf course, but for whatever reason back then they only could build a 7-out-of-10 golf course?” This question echoes through his approach.

While this project may seem like a luxury problem to some, it speaks to the ongoing story of Hawaiian golf. McLay Kidd’s work on Nanea and now Turtle Bay serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of golf in Hawaii – where even the most iconic courses are not immune to change or improvement.

The North Shore Club and its accompanying course will be a cornerstone piece of this private community, but it won’t be exclusive to residents; guests of the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay can still enjoy the revamped layout. As Kidd sees it, “This thing’s kind of like an antique… It’s just beautiful. A great spot, a fantastic hotel, and a site that’s got a golf course with potential yet to give.”

The renovation of Turtle Bay’s Palmer Course is not merely a project – it’s a rebirth. One that holds great promise for Oahu’s North Shore, and its place in the world of Hawaiian golf.