Led by PGA Director of Instruction and sixth-generation native of Kaua‘i, Kellie Hines, the Ocean Course at Hokuala has earned five top-three finishes in the monthly 2022/23 Global Leaderboard Challenge of the golf instructional program, Operation 36 (“Ops36”):
- October 2022: 2nd place
- November 2022: 2nd place
- January 2023: 2nd place
- February 2023: 3rd place
- March 2023: 2nd place
Ops36 is a holistic golf training plan with 711 courses worldwide. Golf professionals pair their swing and course management expertise with technology to teach children and adults of all skill levels.
Hokuala’s Ops36 players contribute to the Global Leaderboard Challenge by logging their training sessions, playing golf and participating in Social Actions (Play a New Golf Course, Golf at Home Challenge, Club Wash, Picture with a Pro, Attend a Tour Event, Watch Live Coverage and New Golf Gear). Points are awarded for each post in the Ops36 app.
The program is segmented into Ranks and Divisions. Students begin to learn 12 skills by watching a video in the Ops36 app. Golf coaches then incorporate these skills into each week’s instruction. 9 holes of golf are played every other week.
New students begin play 25 yards away from the hole in Division 1. The student must shoot 36 or better to move to the next Division. The program features 6 Ranks and 10 Divisions. Since adopting the program in June 2021, Hokuala has introduced 137 new players to golf who began in Division 1.
“We have built a special golf ‘Ohana on Kaua‘i that includes children, adults and seniors,” said Hines. “When children and adults are paired together, it encourages them to learn from one another in a meaningful way. At the end of each semester, we conclude with a fun potluck dinner to socialize and celebrate with each other.”
A notable Hokuala Ops36 success story features Billie Perreira. Starting at age 80, Perreira completed six semesters of Ops36. She sought to improve her game and keep playing as long as possible. Hokuala’s programming allowed Perreira to isolate her weaknesses, then build a game plan. With nutrition tips, stretching routines and strength exercises from Hines, her handicap index dropped six strokes at age 82! Now featuring a more rhythmic swing, her accuracy has improved dramatically.
Hokuala’s Ops36 summer term runs from June 5 to July 15. This six-week session combines clinics, short- and long-game practice sessions with nine-hole outings. To learn more about Hines’ upcoming golf camps for all ages and skill levels, please visit www.operation36golf.com/community-map/1409.
Read more about Kellie & Ops 36 in our Kawena Newsletter
About Ocean Course at Hōkūala
Home to the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in the state of Hawai‘i, the Ocean Course was named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel. The 18-hole golf course is part of Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club & Residences, a private residential club which opened in 2018 on the island’s southeast coast. Timbers Kaua‘i sits on a 450-acre natural amphitheater and offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range. Website | Facebook | Instagram
About Timbers Kaua'i at Hōkūala
Located in the 450-acre Hōkūala resort community along the Pacific, Kaua‘i’s premier luxury resort and residence club combines tranquil Hawaiian living with Timbers Resorts’ signature luxury amenities and a personalized full-service concierge team. Timbers Kaua‘i at Hōkūala boasts a variety of exceptional offerings for those visiting or looking to make paradise their home through luxury vacation rentals, one-of-a-kind deeded fractional, and whole ownership real estate opportunities.
Amenities include the 18-hole award-winning Ocean Course at Hōkūala – Kaua'i’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course; The Farm at Hōkūala, a 16.5-acre organic farm and orchard; oceanfront dining at Hualani’s with “farm-to-fork” fine dining; a two-tiered infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean in addition to a family pool and hot tub; spa services and wellness programs; 13 miles of accessible, lush trails; and easy access to Kalapaki Beach and the Lihue airport.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 770-plus locations, including 760-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf and ICON Management. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, and via The Turn Podcast.