Plantation Course at Kapalua Reopens After Closure

News Summary

The Plantation Course at Kapalua has reopened as of November 10 after a two-month closure caused by drought and water restrictions. Agronomy teams worked diligently to restore the course’s health. This reopening not only marks a return for golfers but also has significant economic implications for the local community. The course, a key venue for the PGA Tour, has limited tee times available as it gradually resumes operations. Celebratory events have included donations to local junior golf programs, reflecting community support and optimism amidst ongoing challenges related to water management.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua Reopens After Water Woes

Excitement is in the air as the Plantation Course at Kapalua has officially reopened on November 10, marking a much-anticipated return after being closed for over two months. This closure was primarily due to drought conditions and strict water restrictions that had a significant impact on the course’s turf health.

A Tough Few Months

The Plantation Course, renowned for its breathtaking views along Maui’s northwest coastline, was shuttered since early September to allow dedicated agronomy teams to restore the course’s condition. Thanks to their tireless efforts under extremely limited water availability, golfers can now enjoy this stunning track once more.

Being a favorite venue for the PGA Tour’s season opener, this reopening is not just a blessing for golfers; it brings a ray of hope to the local economy, particularly for the over 300 employees that rely on the course and its restaurants. The community is feeling a buzz of optimism with a fresh start.

Water Restrictions Eased

The Plantation Course found itself under extended Tier 4 water restrictions, where all non-potable water use was entirely dedicated to fire protection. Thankfully, conditions improved with a shift to Tier 3 restrictions, which permits 40% of normal water use. This change has allowed the agronomy teams to bring the course back to life.

Currently, 17 of the 18 holes are available for play, with the green on the first hole still undergoing restoration. Excitingly, the eighth green has been restored, and the hopes are high that the first hole will soon follow suit.

A Community Celebration

To celebrate the reopening, an invitation was extended to 60 junior golfers to be the first to play on the newly opened course. This event came with a heartwarming twist: a $117,000 check was presented to support local junior golf programs, showcasing the community’s commitment to nurturing young talent. The funds for this generous donation came from a local benefactor, supporting future golf stars.

Gradual Reopening and Limited Tee Times

While the course is gearing up to welcome back golfers, daily tee times will remain limited as the Plantation Course gradually resumes operations. This cautious approach aims to protect the newly restored turf, ensuring it thrives for the long haul. For those eager to play, November rates for the course are set at $349 for 17 holes and $399 for a full 18 holes when operational.

The Bay Course and Future Events

It’s important to note that the Bay Course at Kapalua remains closed indefinitely, still grappling with water issues. In addition to these challenges, there are concerns about the future of the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament, which will not be held at Kapalua in January 2026 due to earlier decisions about course conditions.

Legal Struggles Ahead

As the golf course celebrates its reopening, it also faces some ongoing legal battles concerning water rights and management issues between Kapalua’s ownership and a local pineapple company. A court case regarding these water rights won’t commence until March 2027, leaving uncertainty about future events at this celebrated venue.

The historical relationship between Kapalua and the pineapple company has been marked by tensions due to fluctuating water availability, but the recent developments have sparked community support. The reopening of the Plantation Course is seen as a positive step toward revitalizing local golf tourism while addressing the challenges posed by ongoing environmental needs.

Final Thoughts

For avid golfers and the local community, the reopening of the Plantation Course at Kapalua is a breath of fresh air. While it may take some time for everything to return to normal, the foundation has been laid for a bright future ahead, filled with fairways, greens, and unforgettable moments. So, dust off those clubs and get ready to tee off at one of the most stunning courses in the world!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Sentry Tournament of Champions Canceled, Striking Blow to Local Economy
PGA Tour Cancels Sentry Tournament Due to Water Crisis
The Sentry Cancelled: Implications for Golf and Community
The PGA Tour Cancels Sentry Tournament of Champions for 2026
Maui Nui Golf Club Hosts Charity Event for Community Recovery
The Sentry Golf Tournament Canceled for 2026
Sentry Tournament to Move from Kapalua Resort by 2026
Scottie Scheffler Withdraws from The Sentry Tournament
The Timeless Legacy of Chris Berman in Golf
Golf Digest Reveals 2025-2026 Rankings of America’s Top 200 Courses

Additional Resources