8 minute read
Kã’anapali Golf Resort
Maui Is Everlasting
Kã’anapali’s family and fanbase showcase support and a spirit that never ceases as Maui is open and marches on after the wildfires
At 3 p.m. on Oct. 28, on the broad practice range at the Ka’anapali Resort in Maui, the University of Oklahoma’s Luke Kluver received his award after taking individual honors at the ninth Ka’anapali Classic, hosted by the University of Hawaii. A redshirt senior, Kluver had shot a closing 64 to complete his three rounds in 195, 18-under-par, and help his fellow Sooners share the team title at 810 (-42) with East Tennessee State.
Though the scores the team competition’s co-winners and, indeed, much of the field put together were truly remarkable (15 of the 20 schools in attendance finished under par on the 6,700-yard Royal Ka’anapali layout, and three individuals broke 200 for the 54 holes), this tournament wasn’t really about the trophies, records, rivalries, and stats of a typical collegiate event, but something considerably weightier.
Just two and a half months before the tournament, the world watched heartbroken as devastating wildfires swept through west Maui and the beloved coastal beach town of Lahaina. Close to 100 people tragically lost their lives, and the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Disaster Center estimated the cost to rebuild would exceed $5.5 billion.
The most likely response would surely be to cancel something as comparatively trivial as a golf tournament. After much consideration, however, it was decided the event would be a good opportunity to raise funds for individuals who had lost everything in the fires and bring some sense of normalcy to the grief-stricken community.
“Every head coach and SID (sports information director) expressed their heartfelt condolences and desire to support Ka‘anapali’s affected workers,” says Pate Clarson, the tournament’s media contact. “Each team was eager to play and do what it could to help. All 20 teams selected lodging within a six-mile radius of the course, which kept their money local.”
In partnership with charitable organizations Spare for Change and Member for a Day, the event was centered around a fundraising campaign to benefit Ka‘anapali Golf Courses’ own associates who had lost so much. As of Nov. 1, over $15,000 has been pledged by competing teams, alumni and fans, every dollar of which stays on Maui.
Following the trophy ceremony on the range, many of the head coaches and players that had performed so admirably over the previous three days led a clinic for kids in the Maui Junior Golf Association and Lahaina Junior Golf Association, dispensing swing tips, course management techniques, and valuable information on college recruiting opportunities.
Leading the clinic was the host team’s head coach Scott Simpson, a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour and the 1987 U.S. Open champion, who had been in contact with all the coaches in the weeks preceding the Classic.
“The debate centered on being sensitive to the recovery versus raising funds for those affected and creating a positive boost to the local economy,” Simpson said. “I think we made the right decision. Everyone was excited to come, and each team donated to the relief effort. It was a somber yet joyous event.”
Ryan Hybl, coach of the impressive Oklahoma team, won his 40th college title and spoke for many when he said he and his team felt “so much sorrow for the wonderful and caring people of Hawaii” adding “We will continue to support them in any way that we can.”
Maui, and Lahaina in particular, suffered a traumatic setback and the loss of life has obviously been the hardest aspect to deal with. But the fires also had a disastrous effect on the local economy, with visitor arrivals dropping by 75 percent in the weeks following the fires, and the island losing an estimated $13 million a day in revenue.
The Royal Kã‘anapali Golf Course is the original resort course hosting Tour events such as The Champions Skins Game on Maui and features a unique Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design. Stretching 6,700 yards, this par 71 course begins at sea level with a par 5 hole extending 550 yards, hugging the shoreline before winding its way to the West Maui Mountain foothills. Arnold Palmer called the 18th hole (par 4) one of the best and most challenging finishing holes he’d ever played.
Besides contributing to any of the dozens of organizations accepting donations, a great way for Cascade Golfer readers to show support and get the economy stirring again is by booking a vacation at the Ka’anapali Beach Resort which is located about six miles north of the worst-affected areas and was, thankfully, unharmed.
Like the resort’s other outstanding hotels, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, sandwiched between the Ka’anapali Beachwalk which overlooks TripAdvisor.com’s No. 1 beach in the U.S. for 2023 and 16th fairway of the Kai Course, wasn’t physically impacted by the fires and was thus able to provide temporary shelter to displaced colleagues, community members, and recovery teams.
The Hyatt also prepared meals for locals and transformed meeting spaces into a Family Assistance Center to provide essential resources and aid to those in need. Its Wildlife Team is currently assisting bird rescue groups and nonprofit organizations.
Krystle Alcain, the Hyatt’s Director of Marketing and Communications, says the property is honored to launch the “Return to Maui: Travel with Aloha” offer where $100 from each new reservation will be donated to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund (see above).
“Guests who take advantage of this offer will enjoy daily breakfast at Swan Court, receive a welcome Makana (gift) from a local Maui business, and receive a $100 resort credit,” she adds.
The offer is available for booking from Nov. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023, for stays between Nov. 17, 2023 to June 15, 2024.
Discounted green fees or Stay and Play packages are available at the resort’s 11 hotels or luxury condominium/villa options, and there are two extremely popular, highly acclaimed layouts to choose from.
The Robert Trent Jones-designed Royal Course opened in 1962 and has hosted the Champions Tour, Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, the Canada Cup, and LPGA Kemper Open as well as college golf’s Ka’anapali Classic. The shorter (6,400 yards) Kai Course hosted the Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’ show in 2008 and was designed by respected architect Jack Snyder, who moved to Hawaii in the late 1960s to consult on various courses’ Bermuda turf (he created his own – Snyder Bermudagrass – which is still used at a few older courses today) and ended up controlling Ka’anapali’s grounds and redesigning the existing executive course in 1976.
The Kai was then redesigned in 2005 by Robin Nelson, who worked with Robert Muir Graves in the 1970s and designed or redesigned close to 30 courses in the Aloha State.
Despite what happened, Shelley Kekuna – the Executive Director of the Ka’anapali Beach Resort Association, is keen to point out the Lahaina and Ka’anapali communities are strong and ready to move forward again. “As visitors return to West Maui, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for support and respect, and hope all will make new cherished Maui memories,” she says. “Welcoming visitors not only aids in the recovery of our local economy but also reinforces the spirit of aloha in our community.”
Krystle Alcain at the Hyatt Regency is likewise excited to see familiar faces again. “We want the message to be positive,” she says, “and focus on supporting the community and welcoming back guests.”
If you’re a regular visitor to Ka’anapali, the resort will be looking forward to your return in late 2023 or early 2024. If you’ve never been, however, and are thinking about how best to escape the Seattle winter for a spell, may we suggest this gloriously sunny, friendly destination where the golf is great, and you know your vacation dollars will be put to very good use.
An open invitation from your friends in Maui!
Amidst the breathtaking beauty of Maui, we invite you to experience something beyond the fairways and greens. Playing at Ka’anapali Golf Courses is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of Aloha — a warm, welcoming embrace from the moment you step onto our property.
It’s a chance to connect with the island’s essence, to slow down, and to savor the moments that truly matter.
As you tee off against a backdrop of swaying palms and azure seas, you’ll find more than just a game; you’ll find a sanctuary where the rhythm of your swing aligns with the tranquility of the Hawaiian Islands.
Come, let your soul breathe, and discover why playing here is an invitation to embrace Aloha and create memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
