Golf Fans Can Win Trip to Maui For Hyundai Tournament

Ernie Els holds the Claret Jug, ‘The Golf Champion Trophy’ after winning the 2012 British Open Golf Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes in Lytham. Photo by AFP.

By Rodney S. Yap

With the conclusion of the FedExCup Playoffs on the horizon, some of this year’s most successful players are already looking forward to the 2013 season-opening winners-only Hyundai Tournament of Champions, held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort, Jan. 3-7, 2013.

Thanks to a new contest, fans will have a chance to join them in Maui.

While official commitments will not begin for some time, players like THE PLAYERS champion Matt Kuchar and Northern Trust Open winner Bill Haas are looking forward to potentially making the trip to Hawaii.

“One of the great perks of winning on the PGA TOUR is knowing that you are qualified to go to Hawaii next year,” said Kuchar. “I look forward to the trip to Hawaii with my family and all the things to experience in Maui. Kapalua is a fun course to play and the winds and elevation changes can make it a good test. I’m excited to test my game against the other PGA TOUR winners. It is always a great way to start the season with my family in Hawaii.”

Kuchar has enjoyed a tremendous 2012 campaign with eight top-10 finishes, highlighted by his victory at THE PLAYERS in May. Kuchar has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA TOUR over the past several years, with 28 top-10 finishes dating back to the start of the 2010 season. Kuchar’s best finish at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions came in 2010 when he finished alone in third, three shots behind Geoff Ogilvy.

“It’s an event that I circle on the schedule from day one if I can qualify,” said Haas. “I love the golf course and the challenges and opportunities that it provides. I love being on the island with family and friends, especially that time of the year. I think the golf course is underrated. The fairways are certainly forgiving, but there are different ways that the course challenges you. It’s just such a special place that time of the year and one of my favorite tournaments, no doubt.”

Ernie Els, winner of the 2003 Hyundai Tournament of Champions, defeated Adam Scott at the British Open for his fourth major championship. With the victory, the World Golf Hall of Fame member joins a strong list of golfers qualified for next year’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The 2013 season-opening winners-only event will again be held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort on Jan. 3-7, 2013, as tickets to the event are now on sale with some new options available to fans.

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Fans now have the chance to also win a trip to the 2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Hyundai’s “Road to Kapalua” Facebook sweepstakes kicked off on Tuesday and runs through Wednesday, Oct. 31. Golf fans everywhere can enter for a chance to win a trip to the 2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions by “liking” Hyundai’s Facebook page and filling out a short entry form. One lucky fan will be chosen to see the world’s best golfers take on Kapalua’s Plantation Course and the beginning of the 2013 PGA TOUR season. Enter at: on.fb.me/HyundaiRoadToKapalua.

“It’s been an exciting season on the PGA TOUR with an outstanding group of winners who’ve already qualified for the 2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions, and we are now offering one lucky fan the opportunity to join them in Hawaii,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “We are really looking forward to our third year as title sponsor and continuing our connection with golf fans and the Maui community.”

Tickets are on sale now, and there are limited Pro-Am spots available. For more info, go to htoc.mauinow.com or call 808-665-9160.