LIHU‘E — There is a new golf academy on Kaua‘i for both keiki and adults at both the Ocean Course at Hokuala in Lihu‘e and Kukuiolono Golf Course in Kalaheo.
Director of Community Relations of Instruction and Amenities at Hokuala Kaua‘i Kellie Hines said Operation 36 provides beginners with the most-effective developmental programs and technology to learn to play golf. There will be a motivating roadmap to shooting Par (36) or better for nine holes to those who are interested in learning.
“We are excited to bring the program to the Ocean Course at Hokuala,” Hines said. “It fits in with our vision of bringing new golfers to the game. We’ll be creating more programs for golfers, offering golf clinics, full- and half-day golf schools, fundraisers for nonprofit organizations on our foot golf course, and rock and range events.”
Hines is a professional golfer who grew up on Kaua‘i and has had her hands in many golfers’ young golf careers through other junior programs for over 20 years. Hines has even coached for Kapa‘a High School’s golf team.
Operation 36 golf academy’s first semester began on June 21 and runs until August 14.
Hines said there are dates already set for the next three semesters, which includes eight weeks with golfers on the golf course four times a week during the program.
“That is a unique offer for Kaua‘i’s golf community,” Hines said. “Of course I’m super excited to be part of the junior golf scene again. Love to see the faces of both juniors and adults when they make contact with the ball with an effortless swing. I do a happy-feet dance for them.”
The program, according to Hines, will have a golfer feeling confident while still having fun. It takes a beginner golfer to a 26 handicap or better. It will provide an app that parents can use on their phone to see their junior golfer’s progress, where she may send drills for students to work on.
Hines said parents can expect their keiki to learn not only about golf — they’ll learn life skills (too).
“Golf is a game of integrity,” Hines said. “Again, it’s all about having fun and improving at the same time.”
Hines’s brother Tommy Hines is also an Operation 36 professional golfer and coaches out of Kukuiolono Golf Course in Kalaheo.
“I never thought the two of us would be on the same island teaching golf,” Hines said. “We hope to have a golf tournament in memory of our parents Tom and Jane Hines in the near future.”
Registration: operation36golf.com/#/community-map/1409
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Stephanie Shinno, education and business reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
