West Maui’s outstanding performer was recognized during the 2025 Troon Global Leadership Conference
LAHAINA, Hawai‘i – Kā‘anapali Golf Courses on Maui has been named the Indigo Sports’ Facility of the Year, West Region for outstanding operational performance and service excellence at Troon-affiliated facilities. The accolade was announced during the 2025 Troon Global Leadership Conference Classic held Nov. 18–20 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“With so many exceptional facilities across Troon’s vast portfolio, we were incredibly honored,” reflected Karl Reul, General Manager, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses. “This was a team win for our dedicated staff, loyal locals, repeat guests and hospitality partners who contributed to this award.”
In 2023, the island of Maui and state of Hawai‘i were forever changed. The largest natural disaster in state history tragically left thousands of residents temporarily homeless, including employees of Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, destroyed businesses and much of the historic town of Lahaina.
Two years later, the Facility of the Year, West Region award represents a tremendous comeback, not only for Kā‘anapali, but also the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association, West Maui community and Troon Hawai‘i.
Royal Kā‘anapali’s fifth hole is framed by Kā‘anapali Beach and the West Maui Mountains. (Photo by Kā‘anapali Golf Courses)
Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, annually hosts the Global Leadership Conference. Under the theme “Building Greatness With Purpose” the 2025 Conference featured keynote speakers, special guests (including 2025 U.S. Open Champion JJ Spaun), group training sessions and company updates. In total, more than 520 Troon Associates attended the conference including managers from 209 Troon-affiliated facilities. Indigo Sports is part of the Troon family of brands that also includes Troon Golf, Troon International, Troon Privé, ICON Management, CADDIEMASTER and Cliff Drysdale Tennis.
Notable features contributing to Kā‘anapali’s award included:
Increased rounds and revenue YoY, almost back to pre-fire capacity.
Events and Operations Team: Led by Sherrie Golden, Chris Smallmon and Susan Havens, had tremendous outside the box thinking and success with course buyouts for corporate group events, corporate and social team building, range events and more.
Agronomy: Led by Kirk Bender, the overall quality of course conditions have substantially improved, especially on Royal Kā‘anapali.
Charity: Over 30 fundraising events have been held, including notable events for Kapiolani Women and Children’s Hospital, Annual Children’s Miracle Network, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Charity Walk fundraising events, Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival with Roy Yamaguchi, the Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance and Lahainaluna High School events.
Junior Programming: The First Tee – Hawai‘i, Lahaina Junior Golf Association, U.S Kids Golf, Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association and Operations 36.
Education: Host STEM-like training for keiki to showcase Hawai‘i-based job opportunities, and serve as the host course for two local high schools (at no cost).
Tournaments: Marquee events include the annual Kā‘anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER (hosted by University of Hawai‘i Men’s Golf), Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational (hosted by University of Hawai‘i Women’s Golf), Southwest Maui Invitational Golf Championship and upcoming 2026 Big West Women’s Golf Championship.
Kā‘anapali Golf Courses’ agronomy team poses for a photo after learning of the club’s award.
“We have 11 places to stay, 45 dining options and two shopping centers, yet Kā‘anapali Golf Courses play a critically important role in offering outdoor recreation and fun that our guests keep coming back to,” described Shelley Kekuna, executive director of the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association. “As authentic experiences and eco-conscious travel continues to rise, our golf courses are primed to successfully serve kamaʻāina, residents and guests for decades to come.”
Kā‘anapali Golf Courses’ pro shop
Outside services teams bring Maui’s warmth and aloha to all guests who visit
“Our golf course management team has shined in financial organization, while expertly navigating shifting business and political volumes,” remarked Michael Rock, senior vice president and head of asset management for Host Hotels & Resorts. In addition to owning Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, Host’s Hawaiian portfolio includes three resorts on Maui and two on O‘ahu. “Their continued commitment to building deep community relationships has been invaluable.”
Hawai‘i’s first planned resort, a model for resorts around the world, boasts 11 hotels, two championship golf courses, world-class dining and shopping. Kā‘anapali is a 45-minute drive from Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), and 10-minute drive from Kapalua Airport (JHM).
About Kā’anapali Golf Courses
Built on 300 acres of land once home to Hawaiian royalty (Royal Chiefs of Maui), Kā‘anapali Golf Courses offers pristine conditions and panoramic views of Lana‘i, Molokai, the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.
Opened in 1962 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the par-71, 6,700-yard Royal Kā‘anapali Course features wide fairways and undulating greens which make it distinctive and demanding. The tournament-tested layout has welcomed Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and other legends.
High-profile events have included Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf (1964), Canada Cup (1964), LPGA’s Kemper Open (1982-85), PGA TOUR Champions’ Kā‘anapali Classic (1987-2000) and SKINS Game (2008-11), and Hawaii High School Athletic Association Golf State Championships (1998, 2009, ’13, ’17, ’22).
Complementing Royal Kā‘anapali is the modernized Kai Course, which hosted Golf Channel’s “Big Break Kā‘anapali” in 2008. The 6,400-yard, par-70 layout boasts an array of strategically placed bunkers, contoured fairways and resurfaced greens.
More information: www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com and 808-661-3691.
About Troon
Kā‘anapali Golf Courses are managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 950-plus locations in 45-plus states and 40-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, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design and RF DesignStudio, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
