At six o’clock Maui Open golfers congregating in the Kiawe Room at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course’s clubhouse were treated to an elaborate luau replete with kalua pig and all the trimmings. Outside on a cart, Hilo’s nine-time isle PGA champion Lance Taketa was talking story with Hawaii Golf News & Travel editor Norm Guenther and a friend from the Big Island.
Meeting and greeting with her patented charm is Christine Wong: the pillar of customer service excellence that holds up this golf course’s reputation.
Her boss, Dean Kawabata is nearby, lending a helping hand at every turn.
The steady stream of renowned golfers continues to stream in, with former champion Kirk Nelson dwarfing the growing crowed with his great height, chatting away about his recent appearance at the 34th United States Senior Open Championship at the Ohama Country Club just a couple of weeks ago.
Maui Golf Review president Marie Lenz joins Norm Guenther for a bite as Dave Gleason, the course general manager, welcomes the participants and gives all of the event’s sponsors their due.