The Ocean Course at Hokuala, an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course featuring the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in Hawaii (PRNewsFoto/Timbers Resorts).
New General Manager brings international experience to club operations and the Ocean Course, which features the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in Hawaii.
CARBONDALE, COLO. – Timbers Resorts, one of the largest independent developers and operators of private boutique resorts and residence clubs, has begun work to complete the renovation of Hokuala's renowned Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and the expansion of its practice facility. In addition to the substantial improvements to the golf course, construction will begin this fall on a luxurious new clubhouse featuring an enhanced pro shop, lagoon-side restaurant and bar, and Tennis Garden. Inventive new food and beverage programming for the Golf Club is also set to roll out later this year.
In addition to the multi-million dollar investment in the golf experience, Timbers has appointed industry veteran Fran Roach as the new General Manager of the Hokuala Golf Club to oversee golf operations, as well as to lead the launch of the new clubhouse and restaurant. With more than 15 years of experience as a General Manager in the golf industry and 26 years as a Class "A" member of the PGA of America, Roach will establish Hokuala as one of the top resort golf experiences in the world.
"Fran's track record of success, including launching four golf resorts in four different countries, speaks to his depth of experience in course management while showcasing his ability to quickly dial-in to different markets and deliver an unparalleled golf experience," said David A. Burden, Founder & Executive Chairman of Timbers Resorts. "We look forward to continuing the legacy of this amazing course by improving playing conditions and introducing contemporary upgrades and modern comforts for players, and we strongly believe Fran's expertise will help us exceed all expectations."
Prior to his new role at Hokuala, Roach was the General Manager at Bali Hai Golf Club on the Las Vegas Strip which consistently received accolades for the course conditions and exceptional levels of service provided to the guests. Prior to that he was the GM at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Resort in New York, where he helped open the Robert Trent Jones Jr. Casino golf facility, which won various awards including the National Golf Foundation's "Top 5 Best in America for Guest Satisfaction" in 2014 and "Regional Operations Champion" for the Eastern Region.
The renovation to the front nine holes of the golf course will complete those previously made to the Ocean Course back nine, including new world-class putting surfaces with TifEagle grass and new silica sand bunkers. Landscape enhancements will improve the visual aesthetics of the course by featuring the exceptional natural beauty of the Garden Isle. The driving range and practice facility will be expanded and improved to accommodate a diverse offering of player improvement programs.
The Ocean Course, formerly known as the Kiele Course at Kauai Lagoons, is scheduled to reopen in November 2016. While the front nine renovation is being completed, the Club has introduced a new scorecard for the back nine holes featuring alternate tee boxes for those looking to play a full round of 18 holes while enjoying the most dramatic oceanfront setting in golf.
"The Ocean Course upgrade will raise the standard of the game available on Kaua'i, providing both travelers and the local community with an unparalleled golf experience that not only meets the needs of experienced players but also provides an enjoyable experience for families and those new to the sport," said Burden. "We are working swiftly to complete the renovations and look forward to the next chapter for Hokuala."
Hokuala – A Timbers Resort is a 450-acre oceanfront resort community that will include a private residence club, luxury whole ownership residences, custom golf course home sites, a retail shopping village and a boutique hotel featuring a destination spa, multiple dining options, extensive pools and multiple wedding venues. The Hokuala resort experience revolves around its idyllic setting with golf, tennis, hiking and biking trails, beach activities, and ocean and mountain adventures.
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