Hawaiian course reopens following $3 million renovation

Princeville Makai Golf Club in Princeville, Hawaii, has reopened following a six-month, $3 million course refinement project. The project focused on enhancing playability and boosting agronomic conditions of the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design.

Located on Kauai’s famed North Shore, Princeville Makai originally opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of Jones Jr.  The course introduced Seashore paspalum on fairways and greens as part of a Jones Jr.-guided renovation in 2009 and 2010.

This year’s project addressed the agronomic issues caused by 78 inches of average rainfall per year. Crews completed the work in nine-hole increments, allowing nine holes to remain open for play while work was occurring on the other nine holes.

Key elements of the refinement project included:

• Comprehensive bunker renovation to all bunkers that included the installation of Capillary Concrete
• Drainage improvements were completed in key areas to enhance playability and turf health
• Cart-path improvements throughout the property, with some rerouting of paths

The agronomy team also executed an aggressive aeration of the Seashore paspalum turf during the closure.

Troon senior vice president of golf course development Ron Despain led the bunker renovations and cart-path changes, with construction work executed by Heritage Links. Agronomy projects were completed in collaboration with Princeville Makai superintendent Chris Parde, the club’s agronomy team and Troon senior vice president of science and agronomy Jeff Spangler.

“The enhancements to the course and bunkers will greatly improve overall playability and will allow our agronomy team to continue to deliver exceptional course conditions,” Princeville Makai general manager Michael Neider said. “We are thrilled to be welcoming back all of our guests to experience one of the must-play destinations in Hawaii.”