A Tale of Two Great Courses & Two Big Events.
It’s been four years and $13 million in the making, but now Ka‘anapali is back and better than ever!
After a complete transformation of both courses, a new logo, a Champions TOUR event, and hosting the Golf Channel’s Big Break Ka‘anapali, this golf resort is thriving!
General manager Ed Kageyama and director of golf Tim Murphy will take you on a tour of the resort and show you some of their favorite holes, highlight a few shots during the 2008 Wendy’s Champions Skins Game and take you through a few of the holes used during Big Break Ka‘anapali. Join us!
Legends Return to Maui’s Hallowed Ground
Ed: “This past year has been very exciting for us—having some of golf’s greatest legends back to the resort to test their skills on our newly renovated Royal Course, and hosting Big Break Ka‘anapali. Both were amazing projects to be a part of.”
Caption:
Ed Kageyama, PGA
General Manager Ka‘anapali Golf Resort
Ed was instrumental in the revitalization and renovation of the facility and the return of the TOUR and the hosting of Big Break Ka‘anapali.
Jacobsen tees it up on the Royal No. 2 par 3 hole from 190 yards. This hole is a tricky par 3, especially if the trades are blowing—you almost need to aim to the right side of the bunkers and let the wind carry the ball back to the green.
In 2008, on the 185-yard, uphill par 3 8th, Jack made a fantastic swing and his ball found the center of the green, leaving Tom Watson with a birdie opportunity and a shot at a skin. The hole was eventually tied and carried over to the exciting par 5 9th, where the fun continued with yet another exciting finish, as detailed below.
A 485-yard par 5 that seems short, but is tricky. The fairway slopes sharply to the left off the tee, where Peter Jacobsen’s tee shot eventually came to rest after initially landing in the fairway. That caused Fuzzy to miss the green long and right, taking them out of the hole. Jay put his tee shot in the right rough, leaving Arnie with a tough second shot through the trees. The King pulled it off, and then canned his 20-foot birdie putt to force a carry-over in their 2008 match.
In 2008, Jacobsen and Zoeller outmatched the others on the final playoff hole to take home the trophy and $320,000.
Big Break Ka‘anapali
Ed:
“Twelve ladies came out to Ka‘anapali for an experience of a lifetime—playing on both courses and being a part of the very best that the resort has to offer. Even those eliminated took home memories they’ll never forget.”
“Sophie Sandolo and Kim Welch begin their final match on this 454-yard par 4 No. 10 hole. Sophie, a resident of Monaco, Monte Carlo, plays on the European TOUR, and joined Kim in their quest for a spot on the LPGA TOUR, along with sponsorship opportunities, and a BMW Z4 Coupe.”
Kim Welch
2008 Champion Big Break Ka‘anapali
Kim Welch, of Sacramento, CA, has had quite a year. In addition to her Big Break Ka‘anapali trophy, a BMW Z4 Coupe, and cash, Kim signed on for a sponsorship with the Ka‘anapali Golf Resort and will be representing the resort in her first year on the LPGA TOUR in 2009. Kim finished 10th on the Duramed Futures Tour money list in 2008, and gains a one-year TOUR card on the LPGA. It looks like after all that hard work and effort, Welch and the Kä‘anapali Golf Resort have truly been given their Big Break!
“When I was caddying for Kim in the final match, I was pretty nervous—not only was every move and advice recorded, but this literally was her and Sophie’s chance for their Big Break. This wasn’t just a match for a trophy—this was a chance of a lifetime for these two young ladies. The experience for them and the resort was incredible. We are excited to sponsor Kim for 2009 and look forward to supporting her in her career.”
—Ed Kageyama, PGA
Tim:
Tim Murphy, PGA
Director of Golf Ka‘anapali Golf Resort
“Welcome to the Ka‘anapali Kai Course where this 541-yard par 5 8th was used several times during the filming of Big Break Ka‘anapali. Episode two found Tina Miller and Courtney Erdman playing against ‘Old Man Par’ on this and the 373-yard par 49th. Both were able to meet the challenge with pars and progress on to the next episode. Episode five found three teams playing several holes including this one yet again for a team score—the team of Kim Welch, Susan Choi, and Dana Bates would lose this match and head to elimination, where Dana would be the next player to be eliminated from the show.”
“The Kai’s 391-yard par 4 13th was the site of an exciting final elimination playoff between Christina Lecuyer (of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) and Samantha Head (from Ascot, England). The two would replay this tricky hole three times before Christina sent Samantha packing!”
—Tim Murphy, PGA
“This is hole No. 16 on the Kai Course. It is a 402-yard par 4 with a lagoon that runs across the fairway forcing a layup and a carry over water to a large green. Putts on this and most of our holes will follow the setting sun toward the ocean. It is early morning, and the West Maui mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop to this great golf hole.”
“In the past, many of golf’s greatest legends and the ladies of Big Break Ka‘anapali have tested their skills on both of our courses. Now it’s time for you to do the same—and don’t forget to bring your camera and
enjoy the views!”
