The course’s new Unlimited Golf Package, valid for play from May 1 through December 31, offers players three full days of golf–as many holes as they can play on the 18-hole Makai and 9-hole Woods courses. The three golf days do not have to be consecutive but must be used within a seven-day period, and the package is non-transferrable. Price for the Three-Day Unlimited Golf Package is $435 (plus tax), a substantial savings over the standard 18-hole rate of $220 at the Makai Course for prime tee times.

Makai Golf Club has also expanded its popular “Nine, Wine & Dine” package to allow play at any time of day (previously limited only to tee times after 3 p.m.) now through December 31. Enjoy a 9-hole round, then relax and unwind at the neighboring St. Regis Princeville Resort with this unique package. Nine, Wine & Dine includes 9 holes on the Makai Golf Course and a $50 gift certificate for use at any of The St. Regis Princeville Resort’s restaurants, lounges, or Halele’a Spa. The package is priced at $110 (plus tax) per person.

The 27-hole Makai Golf Club on Kauai’s north shore was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1971 and features two uniquely individual courses: the magnificent 18-hole Makai Course, incorporating serene lakes and stunning ocean coastline; and the leisurely 9-hole Woods Course, winding through native woodlands against a backdrop of lush mountain views. The courses reopened in early 2010 after an extensive 14-month renovation to the Makai Course under Jones’ direction. The Makai, managed by Troon Golf, is in immaculate condition and has received rave reviews since its renovation, including rankings as one of Hawaii’s top courses by both Golf Digest and Golf magazines.

For more information, rates, or to reserve tee times at Makai Golf Club, call (808) 826-1912 or visit www.MakaiGolf.com.

About Troon Golf: Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 30 states and 23 countries. Additionally, 45 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif; Brookwater Golf & Country Club, Queensland, Australia; Mazagan Beach Golf Resort, El Jadida, Morocco; and La Quinta Golf & Country Club, Spain.

# # # #

Media Contact:
Candy Aluli, President
Aluli Public Relations, 117 Hui F Road, Napili, Maui, HI 96761
Phone (808) 669-1993 Fax (808) 665-9863

Tee For Two allows couples to play an 18-hole round for just $125 (plus tax) per person–a substantial savings over Poipu Bay’s standard rate of $240. The special rate includes rental clubs (a $55 value per person), if needed, featuring the course’s brand new Callaway RAZR X clubs. Tee times for the program are offered daily from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m. only, and couples will be allowed to play the course as a twosome, based on availability.

“We know that for many couples, one player is better than the other,” says Poipu Bay’s Director of Golf Craig Sasada, “and it can be intimidating for the novice player to be placed in a foursome with people they don’t know. For couples on the Tee For Two program, we will send them out as a twosome, if at all possible. We can’t guarantee it if the course is extremely busy that day, but if a twosome is possible, we’ll do it.”  The Tee For Two special is offered now through the end of the year.

Poipu Bay Golf Course is situated on 210 oceanfront acres adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Kauai’s south shore. The spectacular course gained fame as the host course for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 through 2006.  A Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, Poipu Bay has been consistently ranked over the years among the top 100 resort courses in the U.S.

For more information or to book tee times, call the Poipu Bay Golf Shop at toll free 1-800-858-6300 or direct (808) 742-8711. Visit Poipu Bay’s website at www.poipubaygolf.com and check out the live webcam looking over the 18th hole.

# # # #

MEDIA CONTACT:

Candy Aluli, President

Aluli Public Relations, 117 Hui F Road, Napili, Maui, HI  96761

Phone (808) 669-1993    Fax (808) 665-9863

Tee For Two allows couples to play an 18-hole round for just $125 (plus tax) per person–a substantial savings over Poipu Bay’s standard rate of $240. The special rate includes rental clubs (a $55 value per person), if needed, featuring the course’s brand new Callaway RAZR X clubs. Tee times for the program are offered daily from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m. only, and couples will be allowed to play the course as a twosome, based on availability.

“We know that for many couples, one player is better than the other,” says Poipu Bay’s Director of Golf Craig Sasada, “and it can be intimidating for the novice player to be placed in a foursome with people they don’t know. For couples on the Tee For Two program, we will send them out as a twosome, if at all possible. We can’t guarantee it if the course is extremely busy that day, but if a twosome is possible, we’ll do it.”  The Tee For Two special is offered now through the end of the year.

Poipu Bay Golf Course is situated on 210 oceanfront acres adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Kauai’s south shore. The spectacular course gained fame as the host course for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 through 2006.  A Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, Poipu Bay has been consistently ranked over the years among the top 100 resort courses in the U.S.

For more information or to book tee times, call the Poipu Bay Golf Shop at toll free 1-800-858-6300 or direct (808) 742-8711. Visit Poipu Bay’s website at www.poipubaygolf.com and check out the live webcam looking over the 18th hole.

# # # #

MEDIA CONTACT:

Candy Aluli, President
Aluli Public Relations, 117 Hui F Road, Napili, Maui, HI  96761
Phone (808) 669-1993    Fax (808) 665-9863

Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii (March 1, 2012) – Hawaii’s top-ranked Princeville Prince Golf Course on Kauai’s north shore reopened on March 1, unveiling the spectacular course after a 13-month renovation.

The Prince, ranked as one of the “Top 100” courses in the United States, has been closed since January 29, 2011 for an extensive renovation project, including reshaping and reconstruction of putting greens with SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum turf, remodeling of bunkers, and clearing and widening of fairways. New tees have been added to enhance shot values and improve playability for all skill levels. In addition, significant upgrades have been completed to the 13-acre practice facility and the 60,000-square-foot clubhouse. The award-winning firm of Robert Trent Jones II, Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) served as lead architect on the project under the direction of Chairman and Master Architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who designed the Prince Course when it opened in 1990.

“We’ve given this Kauai gem new polish and sparkle,” says Jones. “This revitalization makes the course more flexible for a wider range of players while still providing Championship-caliber challenges for more seasoned golfers.  We’ve completed some reshaping that will help canny players use the slopes and ground features to their advantage, as we intended in our original design. We have carefully redrafted the bunkers to improve drainage, playability and strategic value while introducing some new tees for added shot strategy and variety. Fairway mowing patterns have been widened dramatically, often blending into the forward tees, to promote a more fun experience for players of all skill levels. We trust all golfers will appreciate these adjustments at the Prince, and we invite you to come experience for yourself what happens when Mother Nature and great golf coexist so beautifully.”

The Prince Course is known equally for its challenging play, breathtaking natural beauty, and magnificent layout that follows the natural contours of the land, encompassing 350 acres of rolling terrain, tropical jungle, gullies, streams, and waterfalls. In recent years, the Prince was consistently ranked as the number one course in Hawaii and is recognized on Golf Digest’s prestigious list of “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” for 2011/2012. For details on rates or tee times at the Prince Course, call toll-free 1-800-826-1105, direct (808) 826-5001, or visit www.princeville.com.

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NEW COURSE PHOTOS AVAILABLE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Candy Aluli, Aluli Public Relations
(808) 669-1993    AluliPR@hawaii.rr.com

Tour returns to Hawaiian Islands at familiar venue

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA (February 20, 2012) – The LPGA today announced that the LPGA LOTTE (pronounced Low-Tay) Championship Presented by J Golf will be played at Ko Olina Golf Club in Honolulu, April 18-21. One of five new tournaments announced as part of the 2012 LPGA schedule, the LPGA LOTTE Championship Presented by J Golf will feature a field of 144 players battling for a $1.7 million purse.

“The LPGA is proud to partner with LOTTE in returning to Hawaii and Ko Olina,” said LPGA Chief Marketing Officer Jon Podany. “Both Hawaii and Ko Olina have served as great hosts of the Tour in the past, and we look forward to playing in front of the great fans who will come out to support their native daughter Michelle Wie and the rest of the LPGA’s global stars.”

Ko Olina has previously hosted the LPGA Tour on nine occasions, from 1990-1995 and 2006-2008. Paula Creamer won the most recent LPGA event at Ko Olina in 2008 by one shot over Jeong Jang.

“We are truly honored that Ko Olina Golf Club has been selected to serve as the venue for the 2012 LPGA LOTTE Championship Presented by J Golf,” said Greg Nichols, PGA General Manager and Director of Golf at Ko Olina. “We look forward to showing off our world class golf course to the finest female players in the world, including Hawaii’s own
Michelle Wie, as well as the Ko Olina Resort and Marina, which is one of Hawaii’s premier resort destinations.”

LOTTE, which is already well recognized as one of the most active golf sponsors of Korea, has achieved successful marketing in Asia through the LOTTE Mart KLPGA Open, the LOTTE Cantata KLPGA Open, the LOTTE Mart Women’s Golf Team and the LOTTE Card Women’s Amateur Golf Tournament. LOTTE’s sponsorship of the LPGA marks the company’s first foray into global sports sponsorship outside of Asia.

http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=31994&mid=1

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA (February 22, 2012) – The PGA TOUR and FedEx Corp. announced a five-year extension of the shipping giant’s umbrella sponsorship of the FedExCup, effective 2013 through 2017.

The FedExCup, which fundamentally changed the PGA TOUR structure by introducing a season-long competitive and promotional platform in 2007, will continue to offer $35 million in total bonus money to players based on their finish in the points standings, including $10 million to the winner. Beginning in 2013, the four-tournament PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup will be officially called the FedExCup Playoffs.

“Since its inception in 2007, the FedExCup has transformed the competitive landscape on the PGA TOUR and significantly benefitted all of our stakeholders,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “It makes every FedExCup event more meaningful, adding substantial value to our tournaments, title sponsors and television partners. Most importantly, the FedExCup offers our fans more ways to engage in our sport and get excited about our players week in and week out.

“We are thrilled that FedEx has had such a positive experience with the FedExCup and will continue its sponsorship through 2017,” Finchem continued. “We look forward to working with FedEx to continue the growth and impact of the competition in these coming years.”

“The FedExCup has been a very effective way for FedEx to engage in the community and reach our customers over the last five years,” said T. Michael Glenn, executive vice president of Market Development at FedEx. “One of the most significant dividends of our FedExCup commitment has been that it allows us to support national and local charities, such as the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital through the FedEx St. Jude Classic, in a very hands-on manner.”

FedEx has built advertising and promotional campaigns around its sponsorship of the FedExCup as well as creative activation surrounding the Playoffs. As part of the extension, FedEx will continue to advertise in PGA TOUR telecasts and other media outlets and become further integrated into the PGA TOUR’s digital and global endeavors. FedEx also plans to continue its business-building initiatives at tournaments in key markets.

The FedExCup Playoffs have provided fans the opportunity to see golf’s greatest players compete at the highest level in four Playoff events that result in a climactic and exciting conclusion to the season.

“We’ve had a terrific list of champions with two-time winner Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk and 2011 champion Bill Haas, who won in such dramatic fashion last year in a playoff at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola,” Finchem noted. “We look forward to more exciting finishes to the FedExCup in the years to come.”

In addition to the FedExCup, longstanding involvement with FedEx and the PGA TOUR dates back to 1986 when it became title sponsor of the FedEx St. Jude Classic. FedEx announced last May an extension of its tournament sponsorship through 2014. FedEx expanded its involvement with the PGA TOUR in 2002 by becoming an Official Marketing Partner and then added the FedExCup in 2007 with the original six-year agreement.

http://www.pgatour.com/2012/company/02/22/extension/#

In addition to prominent Avis logo placement on the LED scoreboards throughout the PGA TOUR Regular Season, PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup and Fall Series, the program includes business development opportunities for Avis in addition to unique promotions. Avis will also have placement on the official PGA TOUR website (www.pgatour.com), tie-ins to television programming and national advertising opportunities in print and broadcast channels. PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to approximately 715 million households in 225 countries and territories in 29 languages annually.

“Reaching customers through partnerships with world-class brands like PGA TOUR is part of our integrated marketing strategy,” said Jeannine Haas, chief marketing officer for Avis Budget Group, parent company of Avis. “We look forward to driving rentals and generating new business leads while providing the PGA TOUR and golf fans around the globe with high-quality vehicles and a consistently outstanding rental experience.”

“We are excited to announce this new long-term marketing partnership with Avis,” said Tom Wade, chief marketing officer of the PGA TOUR. “Avis has an outstanding reputation as a leader in the car rental industry, which is important in our efforts to provide the best possible benefits to our players and their families. We look forward to working with Avis to build its presence on our three Tours and to develop exciting new programs that are mutually beneficial to Avis and the PGA TOUR.”

The PGA TOUR partnership builds upon Avis’ commitment to excellence and ‘trying harder.’ In July, Avis teamed up with Steve Stricker <http://www.pgatour.com/players/00/65/27/> , an eleven-time champion on the PGA TOUR, who serves as an advocate for Avis and wears the iconic Avis logo on his shirts and outerwear. “It’s great to see Avis expand their involvement in golf by becoming an official partner of the PGA TOUR,” said Stricker. “I look forward to seeing my name on the Avis scoreboards throughout the season.”

# # #

Kathy Connors
Principal & Founder
KMC Consulting
kathyconnors@cox.net
703-980-8328
@KMCConsults

KAPALUA, MAUI, HAWAII (January 9, 2012) – Steve Stricker always believed experience would go a long way toward winning the PGA Tour season opener at Kapalua.

This wasn’t the kind he was thinking about.

No other player is more accustomed to building a big lead, blowing a big lead, and then settling down to win. That’s just what Stricker did Monday on Maui, when he won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions with a final round that only looked easy on paper.

“I’ve been there before. It’s not a great feeling, either,” Stricker said after closing with a 4-under 69 for a three-shot victory over Martin Laird. “It’s just the nature of our game. I realize that, and I’ve gone through it before. It always seems close, and you always have to perform to get it done.”

Ultimately, that’s just what he did.

It took only six holes for him to see his five-shot lead dwindle to one. After another mental mistake led to bogey, Stricker stood behind the sixth green staring at the ground, shaking his head, disgusted with himself. It was during that long walk down the seventh fairway, the Pacific Ocean on the horizon, when Stricker reminded himself that at least he was still in the lead.

And that’s where he stayed.

He buried a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-3 eighth, hit a pitch to tap-in range for birdie on the ninth to build his lead back to three, and then it was a matter of hanging on.

It was the fourth time in his last 35 tournaments that he had at least a four-shot lead at some point in the final round. At least they all had the same outcome. Stricker hit sand wedge to 2 feet for birdie on the 16th to keep a two-shot cushion, then birdied the final hole for the best prize he could ever imagine.

Along with the winner’s lei draped around his neck, his two daughters — 13-year-old Bobbi Maria and 5-year-old Isabella — rushed onto the green to give him a hug.

“It was tough,” said Stricker, who finished at 23-under 269. “I never let up today. It’s always tough trying to win, and it’s even more tough when you have a lead like I did. I’m very proud of what I did today.

“And it’s always cool to get a hug from your family walking off at the end.”

Stricker held back tears — they usually flow freely after a win — perhaps a sign that he’s getting used to this business of winning. It was his ninth PGA Tour win since he turned 40, and his eighth title in his last 50 tournaments. He moved up to No. 5 in the world.

Perhaps even more satisfying is that four months ago, Stricker felt weakness in his left arm from a lingering neck injury and contemplated surgery. He decided to treat it with therapy and a few cortisone shots, and it turned out to be a good move.

A guy whose goal every year is to get back to Kapalua for the winners-only season opener can already make reservations for next year.

Laird, Webb Simpson and Jonathan Byrd each got within one shot of Stricker on the front nine, but not for long.

“I think probably the most underrated player in the world is Steve Stricker,” Laird said.

Laird closed with a 67, and his birdie on the last hole put him alone in second place, which at least helps him start building world ranking points toward trying to make Europe’s Ryder Cup team for the first time.

Byrd kept most of the pressure on Stricker along the back nine of the Plantation Course. He was two shots behind when he stuffed his wedge into 4 feet on the 16th, but then Stricker followed with his sand wedge to 2 feet. Byrd’s hopes ended when he bogeyed the 17th, then put his approach on the par-5 18th into the bunker and made par. He closed with a 68 and tied for third with Simpson (68).

The PGA Tour got off to a good start, too. There was so much focus at the start of the week on who didn’t show up at Kapalua for this winners-only event — three major champions, all of whom live overseas, along with three players who are recovering from injury.

Stricker was the highest-ranked American in the field, and played the best golf.

It just didn’t always look that way.

This was the fourth time in the last two years that Stricker led a big lead turn into some nervous moments on the last day.

– At the John Deere Classic in July, he watched a five-shot lead with nine holes to play turn into a two-shot deficit with two holes to play before he rallied to beat Kyle Stanley with an exquisite birdie on the last hole.

– At the Memorial in June, he had a four-shot lead at the turn and was still three shots clear with five to play. He held on to win by one.

– At Riviera in 2010, his six-shot lead going into the final round was down to two shots after only six holes. Stricker steadied himself and went on to win by two.

Monday on Maui was not much different.

Byrd made three straight putts early in the round, two of them for birdie, and Simpson in the group ahead made an eagle at No. 5. Stricker settle for pars, which was not a problem as long as he took care of the birdie holes.

But he didn’t. Stricker three-putted for par from just over 30 feet on the fifth, then hit a fluffy pitch that came up short of the sixth green and let to bogey as Byrd made another birdie for a two-shot swing.

Stricker stood at the back of the green while Byrd was making his putt, shaking his head, clearly flustered. It only took six holes for his five-shot lead to shrink to a single stroke, with 12 holes ahead of him. His next birdie putt didn’t even come close.

But on the hole that has given him fits this week, Stricker hit a pure shot into 25 feet on the par-3 eighth and made it for birdie, then birdied the ninth to regain control.

http://www.pga.com/news/pga-tour/steve-stricker-opens-year-first-win-in-hyundai-tournament-champions

Enjoy a round of golf, then relax and unwind at the neighboring St. Regis Princeville Resort with the “Nine, Wine & Dine” package. This program includes 9 holes of afternoon golf on the Makai Golf Course (play starts after 3 p.m.) and a $50 gift certificate for use at any of The St. Regis Princeville Resort’s restaurants, lounges, or Halele’a Spa. The Nine, Wine & Dine package is priced at $110 per person.

For players who want to enjoy multiple rounds, Makai Golf Club offers two multi-round passes that provide substantial savings over the standard 18-hole rate ($220 at the Makai Course for prime tee times). The “Makai Golf Pass” provides three 18-hole rounds for $435 (additional rounds may be added for $145 each) to be used within a seven-day period. The “Makai Golf Week” provides six rounds of golf at $720, to be used within 30 days. These multi-round passes are nontransferable but may be used for rounds on both the 18-hole Makai and 9-hole Woods courses, as well as Makai Golf Shop merchandise. Golf World magazine named Makai Golf Club to its annual list of “America’s 100 Best Golf Shops” for 2011.

The Makai Golf Club offers free golf for juniors age 15 and under at any time, any day, and juniors age 16 and 17 receive 50% off green fees. In keeping with the Troon Family Golf program, juniors can also use complimentary Callaway rental clubs while on the course. To qualify for this offer, each junior player must be accompanied by a paying adult (one free junior per one paying adult). If one adult accompanies two or three juniors, one plays free and the other young players will be offered 50% off the adult rate.

All of the above 2012 rates are subject to Hawaii state taxes and may be subject to change.

The magnificent 27-hole Makai Golf Club on Kauai’s north shore was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1971 and features two uniquely individual courses:  the 18-hole Makai Course, incorporating serene lakes and stunning ocean coastline; and the 9-hole Woods Course, winding through native woodlands against a backdrop of magnificent mountain views. The courses reopened in early 2010 after an extensive 14-month renovation to the Makai Course under Jones’ direction. The Makai is in immaculate condition and has received rave reviews since its renovation including rankings as one of Hawaii’s top courses by both Golf Digest and Golf magazines.

For more information, rates, or to reserve tee times at Makai Golf Club, call (808) 826-1912 or visit www.MakaiGolf.com.

About Troon Golf
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 30 states and 23 countries. Additionally, 45 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif; Brookwater Golf & Country Club, Queensland, Australia; Mazagan Beach Golf Resort, El Jadida, Morocco; and La Quinta Golf & Country Club, Spain.

# # # #

MEDIA CONTACT:
Candy Aluli, President
Aluli Public Relations
117 Hui F Road, Napili, Maui, HI  96761
Phone (808) 669-1993    Fax (808) 665-9863

For golfers who want to play Poipu Bay more than once, the course’s 2012 “Grand Slam Package” offers three rounds of golf for a discounted price, with the requirement that all three rounds must be completed within 10 days after date of purchase. The package includes green fees, shared golf cart, use of the GPS (global positioning system) and driving range, and three rounds at Poipu Bay for $425 plus tax. For guests staying at the adjacent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, the package is offered at $367 plus tax. The Grand Slam Package price represents a substantial savings off the 2012 single-round green fee at Poipu Bay, which is $160 for Grand Hyatt guests and $240 for non-Hyatt guests. Once purchased, the Grand Slam Package is nonrefundable, but rounds are transferable to a spouse or child of the purchaser.

For those who just can’t get enough of Poipu Bay, the course offers two additional multi-round packages, providing discounts to individuals who pre-purchase five or ten rounds of golf. The five-round Prepaid Golf Package price is $660 plus tax; the ten-round package price is $1,200 plus tax. Additional savings are offered to guests of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Each golfer’s Prepaid Golf card will be kept on file at the Poipu Bay Golf Shop for easy access and check-in for their rounds. All rounds of golf on the Prepaid Packages must be used within 30 days of payment. The packages are nonrefundable, but rounds are transferable to a spouse or child of the purchaser.

Poipu Bay now offers an Afternoon rate of $145 for play starting after 12 noon ($135 for guests of the Grand Hyatt) and a Twilight Special of $85 for play starting after 2:30 p.m. (play must end by 6 p.m.). For those who want to play 36 holes in one day, the course offers a Second Round/Same Day rate of $55. A nine-hole rate of $105 is offered between the hours of 7 to 9 a.m. (some restrictions apply). Junior golfers are welcome at Poipu Bay. Young golfers age 17 and under can play the course for 50% off the adult rate at any time of day. After 4 p.m., junior golfers can play free if walking the course with an accompanying adult ($10 fee for the adult).

All of the above rates and special packages are subject to Hawaii state taxes and are subject to change without notice. For more information or to book tee times, call the Poipu Bay Golf Shop at toll free 1-800-858-6300 or direct (808) 742-8711. Visit Poipu Bay’s website at www.poipubaygolf.com.

# # # #

MEDIA CONTACT:
Candy Aluli, President
Aluli Public Relations
117 Hui F Road, Napili, Maui, HI  96761
Phone (808) 669-1993    Fax (808) 665-9863