Aloha everyone!

I have a big update this week. Makena has announced that as of May 27th, it will be closing the South Course for over a year. For some of you who have played it recently, you might have noticed the construction around the 15th and 16th holes. This construction is for new condominiums.

We here at Maui Golf Shop have heard numerous rumors about the outcome of Makena South. And, at this time, it is uncertain if Makena South will be turned into a private course or if it will remain a public fixture. One thing is for certain, Makena South will close end of May. If you are planning on coming to the island, make sure you book and play Makena South before it closes.

Once again, it is time for the courses to start their aeration. Several courses have already completed it, while others are getting ready to start. Please check Aeration Schedules below for those dates that may concern you and the courses you plan on playing.

I have been remiss in not mentioning that Kaanapali is the locale for this season's The Big Break on the Golf Channel. They utilize both courses in their competitions and you can get a good idea of the "look" of how some of the holes play. Bye the by, we have special rates for Kaanapali this month, so check out our Discount Golf Rounds page.

I would also like to give you the three ways we can make your tee times.

1. iBook.
   Make your request through our website. This is the best way to request tee times from home. When we receive your request we call the courses and book the tee times. When they have been made, we send you an email. When you receive this confirmation email, call us with a credit card to confirm them. At this time, your credit card number is NOT payment. It's simply to hold your reservation. When you arrive here, come by our shop to pay for and pick up your golf vouchers.
2. Phone up.
   We receive hundreds of phone calls each day regarding tee time bookings. So, if you're on-island and need a tee time in a day or two, call us. Calling is also the best way to reserve tee times and activiites for groups. Best bet otherwise is to use the website... Book Your Golf Rounds HERE.
   When you call we will ask when, where and how many will be playing. We take down your phone number and advise you that we will call you back when your tee times have been made. Once again, don’t be alarmed if we ask for a credit card number to hold your reservation. And, once again, it is up to you to come by our store to pay for and pick up your golf vouchers.
3. Drop on in.
   The last way we book tee times is by people coming into our. You come in, tell us what you want, we book it, you pay for it and you leave with a golf voucher and a couple of extra bucks in your wallet.

On more than one occasion we have had to cancel reservations. Here are the main reasons why we would have to cancel a tee time reservation:

1. No credit card on file. If we do not have this information, your tee time(s) WILL be cancelled.
2. “No Shows” We have the reservation, we have the credit card number, but we cannot get a hold of you. Be sure to give us a phone number where we can reach you. We will cancel bookings anywhere from 24-48 hrs (depending on course policy) before a tee time if you have not come by our shop to pick up your golf vouchers. Sorry, but the courses charge US for "No Shows."

Hey, circumstances sometimes arise where you need to cancel/move a tee time or you cannot stop by our store to get your vouchers. We understand and are more than willing to work with you on a case by case basis. If something does pop up in the middle of your vacation, please, please, please give us a call and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.

Joel's Quick Tip O’ The Week:
Go tee it up on Lanai! We offer a $279.99 package deal that is very hard to pass up. The price includes roundtrip ferry transportation, ground transportation while on Lanai, and one round of golf at either The Experience or The Challenge for one golfer. Want to play 36 holes while you are there? OK, the replay rate at either course is $50 and must be paid at their pro shop. Does the significant other want to go along, but not play? OK, we can book their roundtrip ferry transportation for only $52. This only covers their ferry trip. Ground transportation and rider fees are extra and are paid to the ferry company and to the courses.

If you'd like some help with your game when you come to Maui, I can give you a few pointers. Check our Lessons page for more information.

Till next time, Aloha!
Joel Church
USGTF Pro
Maui Golf Shop
joel@mauigolfshop.com

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The Greens get a Breath of Fresh Air
It’s getting to that time of year again when the courses start aerating their greens. But have no fear, they all won’t be done at the same time. So, if you’re planning on coming to Maui to play some golf, you will still be able to have a great time playing our great courses!

Aeration means that the greens are punched with holes and filled with lots of sand to make them stay healthy. They are still playable, but be slow and bumpy. After aeration, it usually takes about 10 days for the greens to get back to perfect playing conditions. Of course, this depends on the type of equipment used to punch the greens and the amount of sand used to fill the holes.

2008 Aeration Dates
Here are the current aeration schedules for several of our courses. As other courses post their schedules, we will update in the coming weeks. 

MAUI
Elleaire May 28-29
Ka'anapali Kai (South) May 6-11
Ka'anapali Royal (North) May 20-25
Kahili April 22-23 (the 23rd will be ½ day play)
Kapalua Bay Done
Kapalua Plantation April 22-23
Makena North Done
Pukalani April 21
Wailea Blue June 3-4
Wailea Gold April 29-30
Wailea Emerald May 20-21
LANAI
Challenge at Manele Done
Experience at Koele September 16-17

Once again, don't let "aeration" scare you away from golfing on Maui. Even with greens aerated and sanded, these courses still play great! And some offer a special reduced rate!  Call to find out our special discount rates, 800-981-5512 or Book on line: Booking Page

Clif Council, PGA The Maui Golf Shop is a full service golf shop, family owned and operated since 1991. We offer the best discounts on Maui and Lanai Golf Courses, club rentals, club repairs, and lessons.

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Best deals for golf rounds? Book with us at Maui Golf Shop (Call 800-981-5512 toll free) or go right to the Booking Page. We also have discounts on the best new club rentals with a selection of 100 sets ranging from $25 - $50.

Current Specials and Course Reviews

The Dunes - near airport. A Must Play and under $100. Reg $99, our voucher price $95.
Play it early morning - pretty calm. Then play it in the PM - windy. A different course! Very interesting and challenging no matter when you play here in the sand dunes of Kahului. Course Review

See our hole by hole layout with diagrams, yardage and the Pro's tips on How to play The Dunes.

Elleair - nice course in Kihei, reg $120, our Special voucher price is $99. Limited offer. Again, play early as there can be wind after 11am. An easy course for beginner/average golfers near the Kihei condos.Course Review

Kapalua Plantation. Play in the footsteps of Tiger, Phil & Vijay. A real championship course and TOUGH... remember January's Mercedes Championship? Reg. $295, MGS rate $285.
Course Review

Kapalua Bay. All the tee boxes were reseeded in August and are quite playable. Reg cost, $215, our cost, $205. The Bay is one of Maui's few ocean front courses A Must Play. Course Review

Kahili, formerly Sandalwood, has been remodeled and renovated and is in great shape. Play early as this course is below the 20 new windmills, so you know what that means - wind and lots of it, but still fun and in great shape this year. The most improved course on Maui. Next to new King K Country Club. Course Review

Wailea Gold & Emerald boast the best weather in the world - always nice and sunny with no wind unless its really windy all over the island. Great conditioned courses. We offer an After Noon Special at $175 after 10am.
Must Plays, both are great!
Course Review - Wailea Gold, Course Review - Wailea Emerald

Makena North & South, two of the best courses in Hawaii, our favorites and must plays. The North has the best vistas and most exciting layouts with four island views from every tee and green on the back nine.
The South is another gem. Most State Opens have been played on this nine out and in Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, plus there are two ocean holes. Two of the most beautiful courses you'll ever play and unforgettable views. Don't miss playing these!
Course Review - Makena North
Course Review - Makena South
And, be sure to check our special section, How to play every hole at Makena North and Makena South. Diagrams, yardage and pictures of every hole, plus The Pro's recommendations and comments on playing each.

Call us at 800-981-5512, Maui Golf Shop in Kihei, if you are visiting Maui soon and want to play at discount prices. Or, go to our Booking Page to reserve your tee times on all the courses. Find lots of good golf info, top adventures and where to play for anyone coming to Maui for the first time. No timeshares, no golf cards to buy in advance, just good deals. Check us out before you book to save money and make sure you get the most out of your Maui vacation.

Aloha from Maui,
 Clif Council, PGA, Owner

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Visit Maui Golf Shop owner Martha Council
Use these online links to book Discount Golf and Adventures
or call, Toll-Free 800 981-5512 , or in Hawaii, 808 875-GOLF (4653)