Recovery of the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort: A Remarkable Transformation
Overview of the Plantation Course
Nestled on the northwest tip of Maui, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort is celebrated as one of the premier golfing destinations in Hawaii and the United States. Opened in 1992, this masterpiece, designed by the renowned duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is host to the PGA Tour’s opening event, The Sentry (formerly the Tournament of Champions), every January.
The 17th hole of the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. Photo by Andrew Penner
A Stunning Recovery from Drought
In a surprising turn of events for the golf community, the PGA Tour announced the cancellation of the 2026 Sentry event due to severe drought conditions affecting the course. Images of the water-starved fairways left many concerned about the future of this iconic venue. However, a remarkable recovery is underway.
During my visit on December 15, 2025, I witnessed an astonishing transformation. The previous concerns over the course’s health were replaced by lush, green landscapes. Stunning vistas greeted me as I arrived at the 17th tee, the highest point on the course, showcasing wall-to-wall perfection.
The 4th hole of the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. Photo by Andrew Penner
Tackling Adversity Through Innovation
The challenges faced by the Kapalua Resort began when the Maui Land & Pineapple Company cut off water access in September, resulting in stressed turf and mixed outlooks for recovery. Kevin Kammien, a senior marketing manager at the resort, expressed awe at the efforts of their agronomy team, stating, “The turf was walking that fine line between life and death.”
To preserve the Plantation Course, the team had to make critical decisions, shifting water allotments and prioritizing the recovery of the Plantation Course over the Bay Course. “There is no manual for this type of recovery,” Kammien reflected.
Key Recovery Strategies Implemented
Seed Varieties: The resort had switched to drought-tolerant Bermuda grass varieties—Celebration bermudagrass for tees and fairways and TifEagle bermudagrass for greens—in 2019. These grasses established deep root systems, enhancing their resilience during water restrictions.
Precision Technology: Advanced weather stations, soil moisture meters, and crop sensors allowed for tailored irrigation, improving operational efficiency.
- Team Commitment: The entire turf management team remained on duty during the closure, investing time in various enhancements, including cart path renovations and tree trimming.
The 7th hole of the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. Photo by Andrew Penner
A Bright Future Ahead
As I played through the course, I noticed the uniformity of the turf and the absence of ball marks and divots—a testament to the success of their recovery efforts. With only 50 golfers booked on the day of my visit—priced at $475 per player—the Plantation Course is set for a gradual return to its former glory.
To conclude my round, I enjoyed the thrilling finish on the 18th hole, a downhill stretch allowing for an adventurous attempt at the green in two. Although I didn’t sink a birdie, the joyful atmosphere reflected the resilience demonstrated by the team behind the course.
Kapalua Resort has once again proven that teamwork, innovation, and dedication can overcome adversity, ensuring the Plantation Course remains a treasured venue for golf enthusiasts.
Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.
