Where in the World Is Cori Brett?
January/February 2014
My favorite golf hat has 25 little whales on it – orange, purple, red, blue, yellow, green – quite the colorful display. They’re adorable, representing the awesome humpback whales who return to the waters off Maui every winter. They can be as big as a school bus. We were in Ka’anapali exploring what’s new at that fabulous resort, starting with its two golf courses.
The Royal Ka’anapali Course opened in 1962. Soon after, the Beatles burst upon the global music scene, “free speech” permeated most college campuses, and the turbulent sixties took off. Resort golf in the exotic Hawaiian islands was a new concept. The Royal Course has undergone many renovations since the original design by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The original first hole of the course is now Hole No. 5. That ocean-facing tee box still holds one of the most stunning views on the course. The little brown shingle building to the right is the site of the original clubhouse.
Par-4 Hole No. 5 is also the #1 handicap hole. I struggled and barely saved a bogey, thanks to the precise yardage of their new GPS system. When I touched the position of my ball and the pin on the screen, a little hand indicated yardage to get over the right front bunker and yardage to the cup. The course stretches from 5,016 to 6,700 yards, with wide, rolling fairways and large greens. I had a great round from the forward tees, even though our playing partner, Head Golf Professional Sutee Nitakorn, did refer to me as “one with the sand” more than once.
Hole #15 is the longest par-3. Running next to it is a 165-yard “practice hole,” a popular new addition to the course. Director of Instructor David Havens and his staff have three tee boxes to work with, playing to an uphill green with two pins and a deep front bunker. Havens was named 2014 Aloha Section PGA Teacher of the Year. The course ends with two challenging holes – No. 17 is a par-3 with a watery fairway, and water runs the entire length of par-4 No. 18.
Royal Ka’anapali and its sister course, Ka’anapali Kai have hosted prestigious golf events, i.e. the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game and The Golf Channel’s Big Break Ka’anapali. Although the Royal Course may be the “big course,” Ka’anapali Kai actually gets more play. Originally created as an executive course, it was later redesigned and plays to 6,400 yards. I like it because it’s shorter and more forgiving, although tight in places. It does play longer when the wind comes up. It’s always fun to see the Sugar Cane Train steaming by.
Ka’anapali Golf Courses are fortunate to be led by General Manager Ed Kageyama, the 2014 Aloha Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. He was also named “One of the Most Innovative People in Golf,” by Golf Inc. Magazine in 2013. Understanding that today’s players seem to have less leisure time than ever, yet want to incorporate family time and fitness, Kageyama has introduced programs designed to meet those needs.
The FIT CLUB allows players to walk/play holes #1-6 on the Royal or Kai Course anytime after 4 pm. GOLF MY WAY allows guests to play 18 holes of golf over 7 days, trying to change the paradigm of “having” to play 18 or even 9 holes at a time. KEIKI TEES are available on the Kai Course all year round, so juniors (age 7-17) can play their own par and yardage. JUNIORS PLAY FREE from June-August 31. One junior plays free with each paying adult after 1:30 pm on either course. Ask in the pro shop about golf packages that combine 18 holes with a resort perk. www.kaanapali-golf.com
Ka’anapali scored a home run when Roy’s Restaurant opened last year in the golf clubhouse. A wall of large windows overlooks the golf course. But this is no ordinary 19th Hole. “Roy” is James Beard award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi, who invented “Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine.” It’s a delicious combination of exotic flavors and fresh local ingredients, with a focus on seafood. Roy’s empire has grown from his first restaurant in Honolulu to more than 30 locations. Some dishes are Roy’s classics, like the hot and spicy Blackened Ahi and Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahimahi, but the menu changes often. Maui tomatoes and other fresh produce come from upcountry farms. Roy’s has become a Ka’anapali favorite.
Ka’anapali Beach is great for swimming, snorkeling and any beach activities. A paved walking path runs along the beach, connecting the resorts and Whalers Village, an open-air shopping and dining complex. We were fortunate to stay at Ka’anapali Alii, a luxury condo resort perfectly situated midway along the beach walk. Spacious one-and two-bedroom units all have full kitchen, washer and dryer and private lanai. Individual owners select furnishings. Ours was tastefully done in shades of blue and white, all eyes drawn to the sweeping ocean views. The Alii offers upscale hotel services -daily room cleaning and room service – along with conveniences like a barbeque grilling area. www.kaanapalialii.com
The island of Maui has so many attractions, but between golf and the beach, Ka’anapali had everything we wanted this trip. Maybe we can catch up on sightseeing next time. We had a wonderful golf game with Fred Torres, Operations Manager for the Alii, and discovered that he performs weddings and vow renewal ceremonies. A magical anniversary is coming up for us next year. I can see a ceremony on the beach, at sunset, everyone draped in flowery leis, and Fred making it official. Now that’s something to look forward to!
“Escape with Cori” on assignment to exotic and fun golf destinations. First-hand impressions from an experienced golf travel writer and AWGA member. www.coribrett.com. Copyright Cori Brett 2013 – do not copy or cite in whole or in part without permission.
