This image shows improvement in course conditions from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21 at hole 18 of Kapalua’s Plantation Course. Courtesy photos

Seeing improved conditions after the Plantation Course turned brown without water over the summer, Kapalua is preparing to reopen the course Nov. 10.

The closure began Sept. 2 as the Plantation Course struggled to continue operation without irrigation. As previously announced, the PGA Tour’s annual kickoff tournament, The Sentry, has been canceled this January due to the course dry conditions.

Last week, Kapalua reported that turf health and course conditions had improved enough to allow the public to start playing the course again later this month, and allowed golfers to start scheduling tee times with a promotional rate of $399. 

While the course has returned to levels to allow for public play, Kapalua says it is still not up to PGA Tour standards, and the team is still working to restore two greens on the course, leaving only 16 holes available for play for the immediate future. To compensate, Kapalua says golfers will be given a $50 golf shop credit.

According to Kapalua, the course has been under Tier 3 water restrictions since early September with a 60% reduction of normal water use. Tier 4 water restrictions, in which no irrigation is allowed, caused significant stress and damage to Kapalua’s two golf courses over the summer, and the Bay Course remains closed.

“We are deeply grateful for our agronomy team and the work they have done to bring the course back,” Kapalua Golf General Manager Alex Nakajima said in a news release. “As a key contributor to the Maui economy, reopening the Plantation Course means a lot for our community and the 300-plus employees who work at the course and restaurants. We look forward to welcoming guests back to Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course beginning on Nov. 10.”