Hawaii Golf Conference

On Thursday, September 13, 2023, the Aloha Section PGA Foundation held the 2023 Hawaii Golf Industry Conference – “The Business of the Game” at the Kahala Resort and Hotel.

Since 1998, prominent industry leaders have gathered to speak about national and global trends that are currently impacting the game of golf. This past year’s conference focused on our latest Economic Impact Study for the golf industry. It was the fourth report delivered to the industry since the inception of the conference.

The Hawaii Golf Economic Impact Report was completed by Kealapono LLC which gathered data and analysis for the study, modeled the current economic conditions of the industry, and provided a forecast for the industry’s future. This in-depth study included the gathering of analytical data from golf courses, industry stakeholders, as well as Kamaaina and non-resident golfers.

Supporting the study was a panel of industry experts who shared their thoughts about the data and connections with golf. The panel included Sherry Menor-McNamara (President – of the Chamber of Commerce of Honolulu), Keith Vierra (Principal – KV & Associates Hospitality Consulting), Kalani Ka’ana’ana – Chief Brand Officer – Hawaii Tourism Authority), and Rob Sorensen (Vice-President Marketing & E-Commerce – Hawaiian Airlines).

We also had four outstanding guest speakers. John Easterbrook (Chief Membership Officer – PGA of America) talked about the “Heart of the game” of the PGA Professional. He talked about the current state of the game, the value of the PGA Professional, and his thoughts about the impact golf has on a global level.

Corbett Kalama, who has held numerous positions in the Hawaii business, discussed the importance of the industry’s Kuleana to care for the land; golf’s most important asset. Corbett is the current President of Friends of Hawaii Charities, the non-profit partner of the Sony Open in Hawaii. He also has held influential leadership roles with First Hawaiian Bank, Castle Foundation, The Weinberg Foundation, and his current role as President and CEO of RESCO, Inc.

Our keynote speaker with over 27 years on the PGA Tour was Professional Scott Simpson, who in 1987 won the U.S. Open and competed on Tour for many years. Hawaii has always been home for him and his family and he is now the Men’s Head Golf Coach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He is also involved with the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association and the First Tee of Hawaii.

Each conference continues to identify key takeaways for our industry to grow and prepare for the future of the game. It’s also a great opportunity to bring together our market partners who are impacted by the success of the industry throughout Hawaii. These market partners include stakeholders from the hotel and hospitality, visitor and tourism, real estate development, resort development, transportation, public relations, and advertising industries.

On behalf of the Aloha Section PGA Foundation, we appreciate your consideration. We humbly ask for your support to further the mission of the conference, which is to develop collaborative solutions and action plans utilizing collective industry resources to both sustain and grow the game of golf.