After 14 years, the Senior PGA Tour is probably leaving Ka‘anapali, and might be leaving Maui.
The Ka‘anapali Classic, Oct. 5-7 on the 2001 senior schedule, is searching for a title sponsor and new site. Massachusetts-based EMC Corporation, which provides enterprise storage and retrieval technology, became the title sponsor in 1998. That three-year agreement ended last year and a three-year option to continue was not picked up. The resort also ended its commitment.
"I’m pretty optimistic we can get a package together," said Jeff Monday, Senior Vice President of the PGA Tour/CEO for the Senior Tour. "We fully anticipate having a tournament that week in Hawai‘i."
Where is now the question. Tournament Director Ray Stosik said his priority is to find a new title sponsor and has no comment on sites. Monday said the search includes other islands.
Maui’s Mark Rolfing, who helped develop an official marketing relationship between the state and tour in January, says his "gut feeling" is that the tournament – which is part of the relationship – will move to O‘ahu.
Ko Olina and Turtle Bay, which have been the site of tour events in the past, have been discussed. Makena was an early option, but is anticipating renovations and might not be available this year.
Monday acknowledged that a decision must be made soon and calls it a "top priority" for the tour. He said the marketing agreement does not directly affect the event, but does have an impact.
"Players love coming to Hawai‘i and the events make great TV for us," Monday said. "It’s also a great way to showcase Hawai‘i."
