Stay & Play Where The Pros Play
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2020-01-10
By LISA VLOOSWYK, Inside Golf
The stunning Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf was recently host to the season-opening PGA Tour event, the Sentry Tournament of Champions. It was an electrifying finish, with a 3-way tie after four rounds, leading to 3 playoff holes to eventually crown Justin Thomas as champion.
Kapalua Golf Plantation Course Hole No. 5
Kapalua was the perfect host site. It is a world class golf destination nestled on 22,000 pristine acres on the tropical paradise island of Maui, Hawaii. There are 36 Championship holes available on property to delight, challenge and test every ability of player.
Kapalua Golf Plantation Course Hole No. 6
The picturesque Plantation Course reopened in November 2019 after a 9-month multi-million dollar enhancement project. Original course architects Bill Coore and 2-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw, teamed up with Troon’s Design, Development and Agronomy team and Mark Rolfing, a popular Golf Channel personality and former Kapalua Resort Assistant Professional to complete this ambitious project.
Kapalua Golf Plantation Course Hole No. 15
The new changes definitely tested the tour pros but were also made to help the recreational golfer enjoy their experience more. If you have played the Plantation Course in the past it is a perfect reason to come back. If you have not teed it up here, add it to your list. Not only are the ocean views stunning and it is a true test of golf but you will also be able to relive your experience each year when you watch the televised tour stop each January.
The Kapalua Golf Academy Is Hawaii's Most Complete State-Of-The-Art Golf School And Practice Facility, Designed By 3-Time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin.
Also a delightful test of golf on the Kapalua property, is the Bay Course. This emerald green undulating Arnold Palmer designed track has played host to over 20 major professional tournaments including the Kapalua LPGA Classic. Notable champions include Morgan Pressel, Fred Couples, and Greg Norman with his first win on American soil.
Hole No. 17 Is The Signature Hole Of Kapalua Golf’s Bay Course.
This course is known as one of the best resort courses in Hawaii for its ability to be forgiving and fun for the less experienced golfer and a challenging but not punishing round for the lower handicap player.
The signature hole is the breathtaking 17th hole. It is a spectacular par-3 that offers the only over the ocean golf hole on Maui. As you tee off, waves crash against the coastline. You track your ball to the green, hoping it clears the rocky edge. When you play, make sure to take a picture from the green, back towards the tee box for a memorable photo.
Discover Timeless Island Luxury At The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Nestled Onto 54 Acres Overlooking The Pacific Ocean, This Five-Star Resort Complements Maui’s Natural Splendor With Modern Amenities Like Contemporary Guest Rooms And Suites, Championship Golf Courses, Sophisticated Dining, Extensive Event Space, And Spa Treatments Steeped In Hawaiian Culture.
When in Kapalua, one of the most popular places to stay is the luxurious AAA Five Diamond resort, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. It is a favorite each year for many PGA Tour players and their families when they visit.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite, With 2,560 Square Feet Of Total Room Including Separate Living And Dining Rooms, Has Two Spacious Lanai Balconies With Sweeping Vistas Of The Pacific Ocean.
From the moment you arrive, the warm and welcoming aloha spirit comes to life. You are greeted with fragrant flower leis and exceptional customer service.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, Kapalua Features Treatments Inspired By Ancient Hawaiian Traditions And An Array Of Body Treatments, Massage And Facials, And A Fitness Center With Cardio Equipment And Daily Fitness Classes So That You May “E Malama Kou Kino,” Which Translates To “Care For Your Body” While On Maui.
The property underwent a $30 million revitalization in 2018. All 466 guest rooms, including 107 residential suites, were updated and beautifully appointed. The floor-to-ceiling windows beckon guests to enjoy the tropical surroundings and open to the spacious lanais which offer outdoor living room comfort.
Named For The Hawaiian Word Meaning “To Weave,” Ulana Creates A Tempting Tapestry Of Culinary Experiences. Lavish Breakfast And Brunch Buffets, Replete With A Made-To-Order Omelet Station And A Bloody Mary Bar, Are Presented Within The Beautifully Redesigned Restaurant Featuring Pitched Ceilings, Woven Accents, And Warm Woods.
All rooms feature soft sand tones and vibrant blue and deep green accents to create a tropical and serene experience.
The enhanced lobby experience creates a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. Guests have an exceptional view of the pool area stretching into the crystal blue ocean. The new Kai Café on the lobby level offers organic, tropical and tasty on-the-go fare.
The already spectacular 10,000 square foot tri-level pool and 20,000 square foot sun deck now offer new Cabana Suites that in addition to offering, privacy and cooling shade include butler service, flat screen televisions and a private refrigerator.
Two popular restaurants on site, the Banyan Tree and Ulana Terrace underwent revitalization. The Banyan Tree is a spacious open air restaurant that focus on Hawaiian culture, local products, and Mediterranean cooking techniques. The Ulana Terrace is famous for its renowned breakfast buffet with stunning presentation, fresh tasty selections, and an awe inspiring ocean view.
For those looking for post-round relaxation, visit the spa on property. Enjoy a Hawaiian-inspired treatment with private outdoor shower, relaxation lounges with volcanic stone grotto areas, and inviting steam rooms, sauna, and whirl pools.
Burger Shack Is A Casual, Oceanfront Hideaway Where Guests Can Savor Signature Burgers, Over-The-Top Shakes, And A Selection Of Featured Cocktails, Wine, Craft, And Local Beer.
Must dos at the Ritz-Carlton include walking along the resort trails to take in the gobsmacking coastal views while waves roll and splash along the coast line. Go near the end of the day to catch a spectacular sunset. Treat yourself to a burger and cold beverage or opulent shake at the Burger Shack restaurant that overlooks the ocean and beach. Don’t leave without catching the daily fire show at 7:30 pm outside the Banyan Tree restaurant that begins with the bellowing blow of a conch shell.
Come to Kapalua for a world class golf experience and stay and play where the pros play.
Enjoy A Stunning View Of The Sunset From The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.
About the Writer
Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk is an 8-time Canadian Long Drive Champion and currently competes on the Golf Channel World Long Drive Tour. She is a Keynote Speaker, Golf Entertainer and runs her own Golf Schools for Women. Lisa can be reached through her website www.LisaLongball.com or through Twitter @LisaLongball.