Pacific Links Set To Acquire Two Maui Golf Courses

Ka’anapali Kai Course. Photo Credit: Brandon LaRue. Courtesy of Pacific Links.

By Sonia Isotov

Pacific Links International, a Canadian golf operation, announced today that it has been selected to enter into exclusive negotiations to acquire the Royal Ka’anapali and Ka’anapali Kai golf courses.

“The acquisition of Royal Ka’anapali and Ka’anapali Kai, and our expansion to the magnificent island of Maui, would strategically align with this mission and significantly increase our Hawai’i portfolio,” said Bruce Simmonds, the chief executive officer of Pacific Links International, in a written statement.

“”Maui is already a destination of choice for golf enthusiasts; we will be pleased to establish a Pacific Links presence in this market and help reinvigorate Hawaii’s golf industry,” said Micah Kane, the chief operating officer for Pacific Links Hawai’i.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1962, Royal Ka’anapali is a challenging par-71, 6,700-yard course. It was ranked No. 14 in Hawai’i by Golfweek and has hosted a number of PGA Tour events, including 13 Champions Tour events, the LPGA Kemper Open and five years of hosting the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game, featuring Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and other Hall of Fame members.

Also opened in 1962, Ka’anapali Kai is a par-70, 6,400-yard course that was originally designed by Jack Snyder and was renovated in 2005 by Hawaii’s most prolific golf course architect, Robin Nelson.

Incorporated into the prospective acquisition is a leased land agreement that houses a number of commercial properties, including Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion restaurant.

With the acquisition of these courses, Pacific Links International expands its presence to Maui, bringing the number of Pacific Links International assets to 11, with properties located in Hawai’i, Las Vegas and West Virginia.

Pacific Links is also the title sponsor of the Pacific Links Hawaii Championship being hosted at its Kapolei Golf Club on Oahu next week, September 12-16. An official PGA Champions Tour event, the $1.8 million full-field event will feature the top Champions Tour event players, including Pacific Links Ambassador Greg Norman, who will compete for a $270,000 purse.

The full field, 54-hole tournament will be televised nationally and internationally on The Golf Channel.

Pacific Links International is a Canadian-owned golf corporation that provides member access to more than 50 golf clubs in golf destinations in North America, Australia and Asia. Pacific Links offers a membership structure whose main feature is reciprocal access to multiple clubs around the world.

In Hawai’i, Pacific Links owns and operates Kapolei Golf Club, Royal Hawaiian, Olomana Golf Links, Mākaha Valley Country Club (East), and Mākaha Golf Club (West). Pacific Links also owns Pete Dye Golf Club in West Virginia, and Southern Highlands and SouthShore in Las Vegas. Pacific Links is also building The 27 Club in Tianjin, China, which is scheduled to open in 2014.