Tom Sursely, PGA (Director of Golf at Mauna Lani) & Wesley Wailehua (Executive Director ASPGA)
The Aloha Section proudly announces the title sponsorship of Mauna Lani Resort for the Hawaii State Open.
After three successful years on Oahu the Hawaii State Open will be played this year on the Kohala coast of the Big Island on the emerald green fairways of Mauna Lani. The sponsorship “agreement will keep the tournament at Mauna Lani for three years” says Executive Director Wesley Wailehua. Since 1928 the State Open has been played on almost every island and has a tradition of being hosted by Hawaii’s finest championship courses. With Mauna Lani’s history hosting the Senior Skins game and other major golf events it’s befitting to have Hawaii’s most prestigious Professional and Amateur event played on both North and South courses.
Wailehua also adds the rich history of the resort firmed up the Section’s decision to choose Mauna Lani. Previously owned by Francis I’I Brown (better known as Mr. Golf for his amateur accomplishments in Hawaii, California and Japan) the Keawaiki Bay property is filled with traditional Hawaiian fish ponds and a heiau’s. The resort also has strong cultural significance for the Hawaiian community. Over the years Brown developed the property into a private retreat which many famous guests would visit during their trips to Hawaii. Eventually Brown sold the property to his close friend and developer Noboru Gotoh whose company still owns and operates the Mauna Lani Resort (Operations).
As the tournament committee prepares for the December debut at Mauna Lani, the Section anticipates a full field of professionals and amateurs from across the state, U.S. mainland and other countries that will be in attendance for the event. The tournament committee also plans to keep the flights the same with a Men’s OPEN Flight (Pro & Champ) Men’s A Flight and possible B-Flight, Senior Professional Flight, Women’s OPEN (Pro &Champ).
Registration will begin in October and the Section will be working with the resort to host a PRO-AM event on Thursday December 13th on the South course to help support the tournament and the Aloha Section PGA Foundation. Mauna Lani hotel will be the Official hotel of the tournament and will be offer special rates for participants.
For more information about the upcoming event please contact the Aloha Section office 808-593-2230
