Kapalua Plantation Course
Lahaina, Hawaii
Host of the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions, Kapalua Plantation is a Coore & Crenshaw design cascading down the slopes of the West Maui Mountains toward the Pacific Ocean. The dramatic elevation drops, sweeping ocean views, and wide fairways create one of the most exhilarating rounds in golf.
History & Heritage
Kapalua Plantation Course was the first collaboration between Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opening in 1991 on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. The par-73, 7,596-yard layout cascades downhill toward the Pacific with enormous elevation drops and views of Molokai and Lanai.
The course has hosted the PGA Tour's season-opening event since 1999, currently The Sentry. The wide fairways and dramatic terrain produce some of the lowest scores on Tour. The 663-yard downhill 18th is one of the most spectacular finishing holes in professional golf.
Signature Holes
One of the most spectacular finishing holes in golf. This massive downhill par 5 cascades toward the Pacific with views of Molokai. Tour pros regularly reach the green in two.
A cape-style par 5 wrapping around a deep jungle ravine. Wide fairway with multiple strategic options and stunning coastal views on the approach.
One of the most intimidating openers on Tour at 520 yards, playing slightly downhill but demanding a powerful, accurate drive.
A shorter par 4 playing steeply downhill with the ocean as backdrop. Dramatic elevation change makes club selection critical.
What to Expect
Kapalua Plantation cascades down the West Maui Mountains with sweeping Pacific views, neighboring island vistas, and lush tropical vegetation. Wide fairways are forgiving off the tee, but severe elevation changes and persistent trade winds of 15-25 mph make distance control the primary challenge.
The par-73 layout at 7,596 yards is one of the longest on Tour, but downhill holes play much shorter than the card distance.
Playing Tips
Downhill holes play significantly shorter than yardage indicates, so adjust club selection. Trade winds can add or subtract two clubs on approaches. Wide fairways are forgiving, so swing aggressively off the tee. Pay close attention to green contours — many slope severely with the mountain terrain.
Highlights
- ✓ PGA Tour Sentry Tournament of Champions host
- ✓ Dramatic West Maui Mountain-to-ocean elevation drops
- ✓ Coore & Crenshaw design with sweeping Pacific views
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public play Kapalua Plantation?
When is the PGA Tour event at Kapalua?
How does elevation affect play?
Was the course affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires?
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