Sentry Tournament of Champions (Jan. 4-8, 2023) is celebrating Maui’s 25th year hosting the kick-off PGA Tour event on its famed Plantation Course, a Coore-Crenshaw design that’s a “must play’’ on any golfer’s bucket list.
With that in mind, here’s Mark W. Nelson, head professional at Kapalua Golf, on how to prepare to play Kapalua’s gol courses – Plantation and Bay – each managed by Troon..
Number one……only bring your clubs if you plan to play more than one round of golf. Here at Kapalua, we have great clubs to rent and they include logoed balls to play. Why drag your set of clubs all the way across the Pacific ocean if you are only going to play one time?
Second……be prepared for the wind. Probably a good idea to be prepared for the rain as well. Playing a round at Kapalua can and will bring a variety of conditions. There will almost always be a breeze, so be prepared to take an extra club or two. We also tend to get a little rain in the morning, so it’s always a good idea to have a light rain jacket.
Third…….reading the grain, what does that mean? The grass here at Kapalua can be much different than what you are used to at home. The grass here tends to lay in a certain direction that can make it difficult to read and play on. So, it is important that you pay a little closer to the edge of the cup and also when chipping. Having a little extra knowledge will help you play better and enjoy the round a little more. If still not sure what that means, do not hesitate to ask a staff member how to read the grain and play good golf on Kapalua conditions.
Lastly…….be sure to bring your Aloha spirit and mentality. There is a good chance that you will be paired up at Kapalua and there is a good chance you might make a new friend or two.
Kapalua, with views of the islands od Lanai and Molakai, features a pair of luxury resorts – The Ritz-Carltton,Kapalua and Kapalua Villas, one–two-and-three bedroom villas with ocean and golf views.
Located in the west end of Maui, Kapalua is a great home base for visiting the old whaling town of Lahaina; the Whaler’s Village Museum; and Makamaka’ole Falls, ione of the few waterfalls on the west side of the island that is accessible by land. It is 270 feet tall and can be viewed from the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.
Photo Courtesy of Kapalua Golf