Learning Golf Ka'anapali Style
By Jeff Sutherland/Inside Golf
Going to Maui with a non-golfing friend or "sig other"? Why not bring the sticks and introduce them to the game...
The relaxed setting of the Ka'anapali courses on Maui's west shore may be the perfect setting to start the golf learning process.
Warm weather and gentle breezes are joined with the aloha spirit and the Ka'anapali approach.
GM Karl Reul explains it this way, "Ka'anapali actually has a program to introduce new people to golf. We encourage families to also play together and bring their juniors out for discounted times in the afternoon, or to book a couples golf lesson. Our PGA Teaching Professional Chris Armanini has a private practice area to focus on all aspects of the game to get the new player started, without having to share the driving range.
We also have a great 9-hole option on our Kai Course which checks all the boxes for those new to the game. The green fees, carts, and club rental fees are very affordable, the course is forgiving with wide fairways, flat greens, and no par-5s, and it’s only about a 2-hour loop so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day here on Maui."
All this makes Ka'anapali a great place to take up the game...
THEIR FIRST TIME OUT
To start, you could play a round as a single with them just riding along. It's only a $40 fee and a great, non-intimidating way for them to see the game being played for the first time.
If you are planning to play Ka'anapali's more challenging Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Royal course only once during your stay, this is the right day to do it. This leaves the more user-friendly Kai layout for the round where they will play too.
To start, when you are warming up at the range, let them start by watching you. Then give a 30-second swing lesson and let them hit 5-10 balls. That way, the next time out, it won't be totally brand new.
Before you tee off, ditto with the first-time exposure. Let them join you on the expansive putting green adjacent to the Royal Eighteen's first tee and take a few putts (no instruction tho', that comes next time!)
During the round, you can explain a few etiquette rules and they can be in charge of taking oceanview cel phone pics. Having them video your swing couldn't hurt either. Be the driver to start to show them the cart rules. Then let them take the wheel on the back nine while you sit back and relax. Easy peezie.
THE SECOND DAY: THE INSTRUCTOR DECISION
Depending on your confidence as an instructor and the long term viability of your relationship, this may be the time to put them in the hands of a professional. One rule of thumb is, if you would not teach them to drive, then don't teach them to golf :)
A lesson for two with Ka'anapali Lead Senior Teaching Professional, Chris Armanini, is just over $200. You can get a few brush-up pointers and he can explain the basics of the game to your new player.
Find out more HERE.
If you are comfortable with getting someone started, this is the day to spend some time on the green putting and chipping. It may be a good idea to keep this to 30-45 minutes maximum and save the range for the next time out. If you do want to speed up the process and hit some balls at the range on the samne day, keep it to just a few balls. You don't want to overwhelm them with too much information.
DAY THREE: A VISIT TO THE RANGE
Ka'anapali has a full length range just a minute's walk from the clubhouse. A large bucket is 90 balls and can be paid for in the Golf Shop. Split the balls and take the time to help them work on their swing. In terms of number of balls, think quality, not quantity. 45 minutes should be enough time spent as a golf swing uses different muscles and you don't want to tire them out for the big day upcoming.
It may not be a bad idea to fInish up with a return to the putting green spending 15-20 minutes reviewing the basic techniques learned on Day Two.
THE BIG DAY: KAI HERE WE COME!
As mentioned above, Ka'anapali has two courses, the Royal and the Kai. The Kai is the easier and currently is only nine holes... perfect for a first time outing.
Playing as a twosome can make the experience less intimidating. While there are no guarantees, the tee sheet here can be a little more open in the afternoons, so checking with the Golf Shop may pay dividends.
Since this will be a bit more than a normal warm up for your newbie, getting to the course a little earlier is a good idea. Arriving just over an hour early will give the right amount of time to both visit the range and the putting green... leaving time for some last minute tips / instruction at each.
A FEW POINTERS FOR FUN DURING AND AFTER YOUR ROUND
- Playing some best ball scramble off the tee and allowing the first time player to tee up every shot (even short chips) will add enjoyment (and speed) to the round
- Keep scoring simple... Use the Lisa Longball happy face scoring system where you record a happy face each time you make a shot you like
- After your round, make a stop at Roy's in the Clubhouse for a beverage and some of the best sushi on the island. Click HERE to find out more
Ka'anapali has quite a few options for rental clubs if your new player is the opposite handed to you... a multi-round rental of a set of clubs is $99. To learn more about Ka'anapali's introduction to golf program, click HERE.
They also offer an option of FootGolf which can be another great way to expose someone to the course. Find out more about this HERE
...and all that Ka'anapali offers HERE.