Hawai‘i’s newest 18-hole golf course, Puakea in Lihu‘e has found a new director of golf in Paul Ito. Formerly Head Golf Professional at Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton, Washington, Ito will oversee all golf operations at Puakea. Ito
Hawai‘i’s newest 18-hole golf course, Puakea in Lihu‘e has found a new director of golf in Paul Ito.
Formerly Head Golf Professional at Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton, Washington, Ito will oversee all golf operations at Puakea.
Ito replaces Kellie Pleas, who oversaw the initial opening of Puakea, as well as the course’s expansion to 18 holes in 2003.
A professional since 1996, Ito brings considerable experience in a variety of club management positions, including working as Golf Shop Manager/Tournament Coordinator at The Rookery at Marco in Naples, Florida, and Assistant Golf Professional at Ko Olina Club in O‘ahu.
A PGA member since March 2002, Ito holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington.
Over the past year, Puakea has been noted as one of Hawai‘i’s finest layouts by local, regional, and national publications.
The course was recently named the fourth best layout in Hawai‘i by Hawai‘i Magazine.
In addition, Celebrated Living, the premium-class in-flight magazine of American Airlines ranked Puakea as one of the top ten new courses in the country.
Located on the former Grove Farm sugar plantation, Puakea is located adjacent to the Kuku‘i Grove Shopping Center in Lihu‘e. Puakea was designed by famed architect, Robin Nelson, who has been dubbed “Mr. Hawai‘i” for being the state’s most prolific golf-course architect. Nelson has designed or re-designed roughly one-third of Hawai‘i’s nearly 80 courses, including The Dunes at Maui Lani, Royal Kunia, and Mauna Lani.
For more information about Puakea Golf Course, visit their website at www.puakeagolf.com or call 245-8756.
