Armanini leads largest PGA Jr. League program in Hawai‘i
(MAUI, Hawai‘i) – Ka‘anapali Golf Courses’ PGA Teaching Professional Chris Armanini has been named a 2022 PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Award winner by the PGA of America. Armanini was recognized for his year-round junior golf programming at Ka‘anapali, while leading the largest chapter of the Aloha Section PGA Jr. League with 79 year-round students.
“This award is a testament to all coaches who grow the game through deep and personal engagement,” said Ka‘anapali PGA Teaching Professional, Chris Armanini. “I have received great satisfaction coaching these young men and women to their full potential, while creating life-long friendships with our players and their families.”
Chris Armanini (left) coaches his player at the 2022 Aloha Section PGA Jr. League Championship
Since 2019, the PGA of America has recognized outstanding PGA Jr. League coaches who create opportunities for kids to play more golf. Armanini, a former Top 50 Kids Coach by U.S. Kids Golf, has structured Ka‘anapali’s Keiki Club with programming that covers all aspects of the “technical game.” The PGA Jr. League then facilitates the “playing side.”
In this fun best-ball format, kids wear numbered jerseys and compete on teams based on skill level and age: 13U (ages 10–13) and 17U (ages 14–17).
The 2022 PGA Jr. League season comprised of six matches on Maui at Ka‘anapali, Maui Nui and Maui Lani. Armanini’s top players then advanced to sectionals in the All-Star Tournament on Oahu to compete against the best juniors from each island.
Two teams of four players represented Maui in the 13U and 17U divisions of the All-Star Tournament. Maui’s 17U team finished in second place. Notably, Armanini’s 17U team featured two players (Landon Long and Christopher Salem) from Maui Prep’s 2022 HHSAA state championship team held at Ka‘anapali, who were coached by Armanini during the 2021 – 22 high school golf season.
“The Ka‘anapali ‘Ohana is proud of Chris’ latest accomplishment,” said Karl Reul, general manager of Ka‘anapali Golf Courses. “We are honored to play a small role in cultivating an environment where Maui’s junior players receive top-notch instruction at very affordable rates.”
To learn more about the PGA Jr. League’s team approach to junior golf, visit www.pgajrleague.com.
About Kā’anapali Golf Courses
Built on 300 acres of land once home to Hawaiian royalty, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses present golfers with pristine conditions and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.
Opened in 1962 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the par-71, 6,700-yard Royal Kā‘anapali Course features wide fairways and undulating greens which make it both distinctive and demanding. The tournament-tested layout played host to the Champions Tour Kā‘anapali Classic for 14 years, Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, the Canada Cup and LPGA Kemper Open, welcoming Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and other legends.
Complementing the Royal Kā‘anapali Course is the modernized Kā‘anapali Kai Course, which hosted Golf Channel’s “Big Break Kā‘anapali” in 2008. Extensively renovated in 2005, the 6,400-yard, par-70 layout boasts an array of strategically placed bunkers, contoured fairways and resurfaced greens.
More information: www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com and 808-661-3691.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 750-plus locations, including 725-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe. In addition to golf, Troon 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 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf and ICON Management. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine.
Troon in Hawai‘i
Island of Hawai’i: Mauna Lani and Volcano Golf Course
Kaua‘i: Ocean Course at Hōkūala, Princeville Makai Golf Club and Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course
Maui: Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, Kapalua Golf and King Kamehameha Golf Club
Oahu: Kapolei Golf Club and Pearl Country Club
