Kohala Coast, Hawai’i (December 14, 2017) – Mauna Lani Resort will host the Hawai’i State Open December 15 – 17 on the property’s beautiful and challenging North and South Courses. Held by the Aloha Section PGA, this year’s Hawai’i State Open features a field that includes Hawaii Golf Hall of Famers, top professionals and amateurs.
First played in 1920 as the Hawaiian State Open, the event eventually became a PGA TOUR stop known as the Hawaiian Open. In 1976, the Aloha Section PGA revived the event as the ultimate golf championship for professionals and amateurs with the purpose of determining the best golfer in the islands. The tournament draws a field of 186 male and female players from across the state, U.S. mainland and other countries and has a total purse of $60,000.
In the Men’s Open division, TJ Esaki-Kua returns to defend his title against a field of past champions and young professionals, including Dean Wilson (champion in 2007, 2012, 2014), Nick Mason (2015, 2013, 2008), Tadd Fujikawa (2010), Sam Cyr (2011) and Kevin Hayashi (2009, 2000, 2001).
In the Senior Open division, the field includes PGA TOUR and Japan PGA Tour member David Ishii. Ishii is a five-time winner of the event, including the Men’s Open champion in 1980, 1984, 1985 and Senior Open champion in 2010 and 2011. Ishii is joined in the Senior Open division by PGA TOUR and PGA Champions Tour players Scott Simpson, Mike Reid, David Eichelberger and Jeff Coston.
For more information on the Hawai’i State Open, visit www.aspga.com. For more information on Mauna Lani Resort, visit www.maunalani.com or call 808-885-6622. For tee times, group outings or more information on Mauna Lani Golf visit www.maunalanigolf.com or call 808-885-6655.
About Mauna Lani Golf
Mauna Lani, meaning “mountain reaching heaven,” is a tropical resort oasis set upon the famed Kohala Coast on Hawai’i Island. The beautiful Mauna Lani property is located 23 miles north of the Kona International Airport and features the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Mauna Lani Spa and Mauna Lani’s Francis H. I’i Brown North and South Golf Courses. Since opening in 1981, the Mauna Lani golf courses have collected numerous “best courses you can play” awards from Golfweek, Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. Mauna Lani Golf was also the former host site of the Senior Skins Game from 1990 to 2000, hosting many of golf’s greats, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriquez, and Gary Player.
About Troon
Mauna Lani Golf is professionally managed by Troon. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company, with more than 270 golf courses in its portfolio. Troon also specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 150 restaurants located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities around the world. The company oversees operations at Troon Golf, Honours Golf, Troon Privé (the private club operating division of Troon) and Troon International with properties located in 35 states and 33 countries. Additionally, there are 57 Troon affiliated properties featuring 79 courses that have been recipients of a “Top 100” ranking by national and international publications. Troon properties include Lake of Isles Golf Club in North Stonington, Connecticut; Kapalua on Maui, Hawaii; The Centurion Club in London, England; Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples in Florida; Els Club Desaru Coast in Malaysia; and Palmilla Golf Club in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
