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Poipu Bay’s Dusenberry and Bahouth finish strong to win 2024 Pro-Pro Championship presented by Golf Concepts at Hōkūala

Hōkūala, Princeville Makai and Nanea teams finish second

KAUA‘I, Hawai‘i – After competing for over a decade in one of the Aloha Section PGA’s most storied events yet never finishing higher than sixth place, Poipu Bay’s Chad Dusenberry finally ended his drought on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala to win the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship presented by Golf Concepts. Alongside Chasen Bahouth (Poipu Bay), the South Shore duo shot a final-round 66 for a well-earned one-shot victory over Kaua‘i’s Tom Freestone (Ocean Course at Hōkūala) and Michael Neider (Princeville Makai), as well as Jeff Ingman (Nanea) and Kimberly Kim (Nanea).

Poipu Bay’s Chad Dusenberry carefully eyes his tee shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

“I’ve been searching a long time for the right partner…I am relieved to have finally found him!” remarked Chad Dusenberry, head golf professional at Poipu Bay Golf Course. “This has always been a fun event. Even players on other teams still root for you and encourage you to play better. Our tight-knit community is what makes the Aloha Section PGA so special.”

Poipu Bay’s Chasen Bahouth hits his tee shot into the trade winds on the 17th hole during the final round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

Dusenberry and Bahouth’s final round was fueled by six birdies in a seven-hole stretch, including four straight on holes 10–13. They needed every scoring opportunity. Freestone, who just returned to Kaua‘i after playing in the final stage of qualifying for the 124th U.S. Open and finishing T1 in local qualifying, competed with lots of momentum alongside Neider, his fellow Kaua‘i and Troon PGA Professional.

Tom Freestone plays a bump-and-run during the first round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

Also tied for second place was the Big Island duo of Ingman and Kim. Born and raised in Hilo, Kim was the youngest player to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur (2006) at age 14. Her decorated amateur career featured runner-up finishes at the 2006 and 2009 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links and 2009 U.S. Girls’ Junior.

Nanea Golf Club’s Kimberly Kim watches her tee shot during the first round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

Juan Rodriguez (Nanea), nephew of World Golf Hall of Fame member Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Hunter Larson (Big Island Golf), the 2022 Aloha Section PGA Player of the Year, finished in solo fifth at six-under-par after winning last year’s tournament in a playoff.

Big Island Golf’s Hunter Larson follows through on his putt on hole nine during the first round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

“After an amazing 17-year run at Kā‘anapali, Hōkūala offered a fun challenge this weekend for many of our state’s most talented PGA Professionals,” said Wes Wailehua, executive director of the Aloha Section PGA. “We were thrilled with this year’s exciting finish and can’t wait to visit Pearl at Kalalau in 2025 after their grand reopening this winter.”

Event sponsor Jay Hinazumi (left) of Golf Concepts, Chad Dusenberry (center) and Chasen Bahouth (right) of Poipu Bay pose with their trophies from the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship at the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

Incorporated in 1975, the Aloha Section PGA serves 236 members across 90 facilities in Hawai‘i. The organization’s mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in golf throughout Hawai‘i.

The Ocean Course at Hōkūala’s 17th hole, a 173-yard par 3, plays to a shallow green on a peninsula. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

LEADERBOARD

Place	Team	Clubs	To Par	Rd. 1	Rd. 2	Total
1	Dusenberry + Bahouth	Poipu Bay Golf Course	-10	68	66	134
T2	Neider + Freestone	Princeville Makai Golf Club, Ocean Course at Hōkūala	-9	67	68	135
T2	Ingman + Kim	Nanea Golf Club	-9	68	67	135
4	Shimomura + Shimomura	Ko Olina Golf Club, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses	-8	68	68	136
5	Larson + Rodriguez	Big Island Golf, Nanea Golf Club	-6	68	70	138
6	Lamb + Castellanos	Maui Nui Golf Club	-5	70	69	139
7	Coyle + Coyle	Hualalai Club	-4	72	68	140
T8	Alnas + Greenwell	Kukiʻo Golf & Beach Club	-3	73	68	141
T8	Murphy + Nevins	North Shore Preserve	-3	69	72	141
T10	Kageyama + Okino	Pearl at Kalalau	-2	69	73	142
T10	Lee + Sakamoto	Pearl at Kalalau	-2	70	72	142
T10	Acosta + Bascuk	Hokulia, Kaneohe Klipper	-2	69	73	142
T13	Kozuma + Nagata	Mid-Pacific Country Club	-1	72	71	143
T13	Ito + Lee	Kauaʻi Junior Golf Association, Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course	-1	70	73	143
15	Okamura + Miyajima	Nanea Golf Club, Kukiʻo Golf & Beach Club	E	74	70	144
T16	Kagawa + Seki	Big Island Golf Shop, Aloha Section PGA	+3	77	70	147
T16	Aranda + Fisher	Kapalua Bay Golf Course	+3	75	72	147
18	Jones + Viquelia	The Club at Kukuiʻula	+4	69	79	148
19	Wise + Masuda	Kohanaiki Golf & Ocean Club	+6	74	76	150
20	Black + Nakashima	Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC, PXG	+15	80	79	159

TOURNAMENT FACTS
Dates: Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 9, 2024
Venue: Ocean Course at Hōkūala
Location: Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i
Yardage (Par): 7,156 (72)
Format: Two days; 18 holes each day; four-ball stroke play
Scores: Golf Genius

About Ocean Course at Hōkūala

Home to the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in the state of Hawai‘i, the Ocean Course was named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel. The 18-hole golf course is part of Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club & Residences, a private residential club which opened in 2018 on the island’s southeast coast. Timbers Kaua‘i sits on a 450-acre natural amphitheater and offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range. Website | Facebook | Instagram

About Timbers Kaua’i at Hōkūala

Located in the 450-acre Hōkūala resort community along the Pacific, Kaua‘i’s premier luxury resort and residence club combines tranquil Hawaiian living with Timbers Resorts’ signature luxury amenities and a personalized full-service concierge team. Timbers Kaua‘i boasts exceptional offerings for those visiting or looking to make paradise their home through luxury vacation rentals, one-of-a-kind deeded fractional and whole ownership real estate opportunities.

Amenities include the 18-hole award-winning Ocean Course at Hōkūala – Kaua‘i’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course; The Farm at Hōkūala, a 16.5-acre organic farm and orchard; oceanfront dining at Hualani’s with “farm-to-fork” fine dining; a two-tiered infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean, as well as a family pool and hot tub; spa services and wellness programs; 13 miles of accessible, lush trails; and easy access to Kalapaki Beach and Lihue Airport (LIH).

About Troon

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 875-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. 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. 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, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, and via The Turn Podcast.

MEDIA CONTACT
Pate Clarson
pclarson@golfhokuala.com

Princeville Makai Golf Club Begins $3 Million Course Refinement Project

Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii (April 16, 2024) – Princeville Makai Golf Club in Princeville, Kauai began a $3 million course refinement project on Monday, April 15^th that is designed to enhance playability, boost agronomic conditions, and strengthen the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-design’s standing as one of the top golf courses in the world. The project will address three key areas of the course: bunker renovations, cart path upgrades and agronomic enhancements, including drainage improvements and practices to continue strong turf health. Princeville Makai, located on Kauai’s famed North Shore, averages 78 inches of rain each year.

The project began on April 15 with nine holes shut down for construction for approximately six weeks, followed by work on the remaining nine holes over six additional weeks. Nine holes will always be open during the refinement project, with nine-hole and 18-hole rounds available for guests. For 18-hole rounds, guests will be encouraged to play different tees during their second loop. Plans call for the 12-week project to be completed and all 18 holes open for play by mid-July. Guests can continue to book tee times at www.MakaiGolf.com.

Key elements of the refinement project include:

Comprehensive bunker renovation to all bunkers on the golf course, incorporating a technically advanced drainage and liner system featuring Capillary Concrete. This new generation lining method increases the speed at which water flows through the bunker, minimizing washouts, reducing maintenance and producing superior playability.
Drainage improvements will be executed in key areas to enhance playability and turf health
Guest experiences will be enhanced through cart path improvement in select areas
During construction, crews will execute an aggressive aeration of the Seashore Paspalum turf so air, water and nutrients can reach grass roots.

Troon Senior Vice President of Golf Course Development Ron Despain is leading the bunker renovations and cart path changes, with construction work executed by Heritage Links. Agronomy projects will be done in collaboration with Princeville Makai Golf Club Superintendent Chris Parde, the club’s agronomy team and Troon Senior Vice President of Science and Agronomy Jeff Spangler.

“It’s exciting and gratifying to have an ownership team that invests back into the product, and shares the goal of keeping Princeville Makai Golf Club among the top golf courses in the world,” said Princeville Makai Golf Club General Manager Michael Neider. “The bunker enhancements, cart path improvements, drainage refinements and turf management projects will further elevate our guests’ experiences for years to come.”

Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. In 2009 and 2010, the course was completely renovated by Jones Jr., introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. Since the renovation, the Makai Course has soared to the top of golf’s most respected rankings, including Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America,” “Top 3 Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii” by Golfweek, and named one of the “Top 5 Great Golf Settings” in the world by National Geographic Traveler.

Located along the storied stretch of Kauai’s North Shore, Princeville Makai Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon.

For more information on Princeville Makai Golf Club, visit www.makaigolf.com.

About the Princeville Makai Golf Club

With six oceanfront holes overlooking the stunning North Shore, picturesque views of Makana, commonly referred to as Bali Hai from the 1958 film “South Pacific” and dozens of waterfalls cascading from nearby peaks (Nāmolokama and Māmalahoa), Princeville Makai Golf Club is the definition of golf in paradise. In addition to golf, Princeville Makai Golf Club is also home to Sunset Golf Cart Tours, the Mauka Disc Golf Course, Sunrise Yoga, a popular tennis facility and many jaw dropping sites for banquets and special celebrations.

About Troon

Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com

The Direct Route Is Not Necessarily the Best at Hokuala’s 15th

No. 15 – Par 4

(473/418/399/332)

This hole, created during a 2011 renovation, tempts you to play down the left side of the fairway the first time you see it. Then, when you arrive at the landing area, you find out that might not have been the best choice after all.

A bunker on the left side of the wide fairway and another right down the middle make it appear the direct route to the green down that left side is the optimal on this slight dogleg left hole. However, the fairway slopes sharply downhill at this point and hides the fact that a gorge cuts into the fairway very quickly down the left side.

Architect Jack Nicklaus has left you ample room up the right side, away from the ocean bluffs and the trouble that lurks just over the hill. Take what The Bear gives you and aim right of the bunker that sits in the visual middle of the fairway. Little bad can happen over there, and you approach shot won’t be appreciable longer anyway. Some players even choose to go with less than driver on days when the trade winds are helping. Distance isn’t an issue (except from the tips), and in fact longer tee shots can produce an awkward, downhill stance for your approach.

Regardless of where your drive ends up, the approach shot must carry that gorge and a collection of fronting bunkers to find the safety of a wide green framed by the Timbers Resort and Hualani’s Restaurant, named for the always-cordial Hualani Duncan, Golf Sales Manager. The back-to-front slope of the green makes chips from behind very difficult.

Get Your Birdie While You Can on Hokuala’s 4th

This #TipTuesday brings you an insider’s tip on how to play the 4th hole at The Ocean Course at Hokuala from golf writer Mike Dauplaise of Prime Golf Destinations.

How would you play it? (Image courtesy of Mike Dauplaise)

The Ocean Course at Hokuala No. 4 – Par 4 (506/500/470/380)

This short par -5 offers perhaps the best opportunity for birdie on the Ocean Course at Hokuala, with the green reachable in after two solid shots for longer hitters. The best angle off the tee is over the corner of a long bunker down the left side to a fairway that angles from right to left. The trade winds blow from left to right, accentuating a right- hander’s slice toward the fence line. The long green angles from left to right, and mounds short and right make back-right pin positions nearly blind. Several bunkers also guard your target, leaving short and left as the safest place to miss.

Your Best Chance to Make a Birdie on Princeville Makai

This #TipTuesday brings you an insider’s tip on how to play the 14th hole at Princeville Makai Golf Clubfrom golf writer Mike Dauplaise of Prime Golf Destinations. How would you play it? (Image courtesy of Mike Dauplaise)

Princeville Makai Golf

ClubNo. 14–Par 4

(338/292/288/269)

Finally, an easy hole–and one that comes with an incredible view as a bonus. OK, maybe “easy” is a little generous, since opportunities for death and destruction abound, but there’s a reason this gorgeous hole ranks as the easiest on the card. With a favorable wind, driving the green is a possibility for the bigger hitters. The question is, is it worth the risk? Take it from someone who kissed a perfectly good round goodbye here, being greedy is fun when it works, but stinks when it doesn’t.

Course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. placed a bunker directly in front of the green for players intent ongoing for the glory from the tee. There are narrow run-up chutes on either side of the bunker, but they are skinny targets indeed from back on the tee. The tee shot crosses a gorge in the coastline and a series of cross bunkers on the opposite side before opening to a sufficiently generous landing area 100 yards short of the green. There is more room between the cross bunkers and the sand trap on the far side of the fairway than appears from the tee. Notice how Jones designed the cross bunkers to resemble the waves breaking below.

A tee shot aimed safely left of the ocean sets up a short iron to the green and a good birdie chance. Even a safe 3-wood for many players will result in nothing more than a pitch or flip wedge for the approach. Anything right is gone, with the cliffs following the hole all the way to the green. Be careful with your approach, too, as a shot struck too firmly can find its way over the green and off the cliff to a watery