![]() ![]() Allen says he and his crew are not content to rest on their laurels. The renovation was spotlighted nationally in the September 2019 issue Golf Course Management Magazine. “It’s a pleasure to play,” Helgeson said. 5, part-time Kaanapali resident Greg Helgeson gave the renovation a thumbs up. The downwind, downhill 234-yard par 3 may still be one of Maui’s toughest holes to par, especially when the trades are howling, but it is no longer as punitive to shots that aren’t perfect.įollowing a solid approach that allowed him to tap in on No. 5, Allen pointed out how the former postage stamp-sized green now has receptive landing areas on and near the enlarged surface. “I just used how they naturally were designed and just expanded them out to where most golf courses are designed in today’s age.” At the fronts of the greens, he created approaches where balls that land short have a chance to bounce onto the putting surface. ![]() While replacing the turf, Allen took the opportunity to enlarge the greens and surrounding collars. The result is lush, hardy greens that require less water, fertilizer and chemicals. While the greens used to feature Bermuda grass that was struggling to survive, and thus susceptible to weeds and disease, they are now planted with salt-tolerant SeaStar Seashore Paspalum. The full course was reopened in September of 2019. Waiehu’s renovation started with the back nine’s greens in the summer of 2018 and continued with the front nine greens in the summer of 2019. While last year’s complete redo of the Kapalua Plantation Course’s greens, tees and fairways cost more than $10 million, Allen and his crew had to make do with the course’s regular annual budget. Working within the budget meant no extra funds were used for the renovation. He said the key was motivating his crew to believe it could accomplish the “end vision.” The vision? “To give the best possible playing conditions for the local golfers and the County of Maui within the budget we have,” Allen said. I appreciate the support of the Parks and Recreation Department and Maui County.” I was just trying to improve the golf course. “I am extremely humbled and honored that my peers recognized all the work we put in,” Allen said. Waiehu Pro Shop co-owner Art Rego also is slated to win Merchandizer of the Year and pro Lee Sakugawa, Teacher of the Year. At tonight’s Aloha Section PGA Ho’olaulea Hawaii Golf Awards Ceremony on Oahu, Allen is set to receive the organization’s 2019 Superintendent of the Year Award. The renewal has also caught the eye of the Aloha Section PGA. Everywhere they go golfers are thanking them.” They’re taking great pride in the golf course. While much of the credit must go to Allen, who has overseen the turnaround during his nearly five years at Waiehu, the superintendent prefers to shine the light on his 17-member crew. ![]() This is the best it’s been as far as I’m concerned. ![]() “If it wasn’t for golf, most of us would be dead. “It’s the best it ever was,” Inouye said. Veteran Wailuku golfer Alvin Inouye offered his review of the municipal course’s condition as his sixsome walked from the 11th green to 12th tee. Golf course starter Hollie Dalapo says the quality of the renovation is what has golfers excited to play the 175-acre oceanfront layout. After a two-year renovation that saw all 18 greens enlarged and regrassed, the municipal golf course is once again a popular place to tee it up. Some groups bearing down are sixsomes made up of Maui retirees in their 70s and 80s, while others are comprised of younger local golfers and visitors from Japan and the Mainland. Early on a sunny day recently, Waiehu Golf Course Superintendent Todd Allen and his crew race to finish their morning duties before a wave of golfers overtakes them on the back nine. ![]()
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