Troon News
Island Time
With the PGA TOUR making two stops in Hawaii this month, including at the Troon-managed Planation Course at Kapalua on Maui, you might get inspired to plan a golf trip there in the future. And who could blame you? Sunshine, ocean views, and the aloha vibe almost oozes through your TV screen every January, right? Well with 12 courses managed by Troon and Indigo Sports at nine different facilities throughout the state, you can easily fill up a week’s worth of tee times at quality courses on almost every island.
On Maui, the famed Plantation Course at Kapalua (where Chris Kirk shot 29-under par to win The Sentry this year) is joined by the resort’s neighboring Bay Course. That layout, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, is perhaps best known for an unforgettable 17th hole, a par 3 that requires a carry over the ocean.
A short drive south you’ll find a pair of worthy layouts at Ka‘anapali. While neither were directly impacted by the West Maui fires last year, many course associates were, which is why the Kai Course is currently scheduled to reopen in March. You can donate to Troon Cares here or buy a “Maui Strong” shirt here to help out. Or you can head to the Royal Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and renovated by Robin Nelson, which is open. And on your way to and from the airport in Kahului, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of the King Kamehameha Golf Club perched high up on a hillside (just look for the distinctive circular roof of the 74,000-square-foot clubhouse). Members of private clubs can inquire about reciprocal playing privileges, while the public can take advantage of a “Guest For A Day” option to play the King Kamehameha course.
Over on the Big Island, mesmerizing lava rock frames numerous fairways on both the North and South courses at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection. There’s also the Volcano Golf Course that sits at the rim of the active Kilauea volcanic crater, some 4,000 feet above sea level.
On Kauai, both the Ocean Course at Hōkūala and Princeville Makai Golf Club offer jaw-dropping scenery, while the 9-holer at Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course is located on the island’s south side and adjacent to a Japanese garden.
Finally on Oahu, Kapolei Golf Club includes numerous water features that provide both beauty and challenge on a course that has hosted both LPGA and PGA CHAMPIONS tournaments. Also on Oahu is Pearl Country Club which is currently undergoing a renovation. It is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2024 when it will be known as “Pearl at Kalauao.”
