Kaanapali Golf Courses' South Course to undergo Robin Nelson renovations
Kaanapali Golf Courses -- a facility selected by the USGA to host U.S. Open local and sectional qualifiers for 2005 -- has announced major renovations to its Resort South Course and clubhouse facility to include a new irrigation installation, re-grassing of greens and tee boxes and renovations to the bunkers and landscaped areas surrounding the course.
Robin Nelson - dubbed "Mr. Hawaii" for his hand in the design or redesign of over 30 courses across the Hawaiian Islands - will oversee the enhancements to the original Arthur Jack Snyder designed layout. The Resort South Course will close on April 1, 2005 and is expected to reopen November 15.
In addition to the on-course improvements, the Kaanapali clubhouse interior will be redesigned with an a new retail look, including built-in shelves and storefront displays, and the spacious practice range and teaching facility will be revamped to include new target greens and new turf within the tee line.
"We are very excited about the changes taking place at Kaanapali Golf Courses," says Ed Kageyama, PGA General Manager. "The entire resort has undergone major changes within the last few years and we look forward to our guests rediscovering the 'granddaddy' of the Hawaiian resorts as the new kid on the block."
Nelson was selected because of his intimate knowledge of the Hawaiian golf industry and his ability to produce memorable, challenging golf courses that stand the test of time. Recently, Nelson designed the final eight holes at Puakea Golf Course on Kauai, and completed the long awaited 18-hole masterpiece at Royal Kunia on Oahu.
Nelson has been charged with adding a more modern flavor to the 6,555-yard, par-71 Resort South Course. With holes running along natural canals, gulches and lava rock boundaries, and possessing a playability lacking from so many penal, championship courses, the circa 1976 Snyder design has long been a favorite of locals and resort guests. The course was recognized by Golf For Women as one of the most "Women Friendly" in the U.S., and it will remain so under Nelson's guidance.
"Robin has the unique ability to design golf courses that maximize strategy and intrigue from every set of tees," says Kageyama.
Once complete, the Resort South Course will form the perfect complement to the Tournament North Course, host site of 2005 U.S. Open Local and Sectional Qualifiers. The par-71 Tournament North Course opened in 1962 and is one of only two layouts in Hawaii designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. At nearly 7,000 yards, the course stretches along the Maui coastline before winding its way to the scenic foothills of the West Maui Mountains.
Boasting a rich history, the course has hosted the Senior PGA Tour's Kaanapali Classic, the LPGA's Kemper Open, the Canada Cup, Shell's Wonderful World of Golf and high-profile amateur tournaments. Among the golf legends it has challenged are Hale Irwin, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino and Tom Weiskopf. On May 14 and June 6, 2005, the Tournament North Course will host the US Open local and sectional qualifiers.
For more information about the Kaanapali Golf Courses, visit www.kaanapali-golf.com or call toll free (866) 454-GOLF.
March 18, 2005