Aloha Team Classic - 2009

October 24, 2009

Beyond the Rainbow Foundation hosted the fourth annual Aloha Team Classic this past week, (October 18 - 21) bringing together visitors, part time residents and Maui locals for a fun filled four day golf event.   This year’s event brought over 50 participants together from across the country as well as Canada and Australi.  Four LPGA Tour Professionals (Jeanne Cho-Hunicke, Anna Grzebien, Angela Jerman and Kim Welch) spent the week in Maui supporting the Foundation by participating in many of the activities.

The week began on Sunday, October 18^th, when 8 amateurs joined four of Maui’s local Club Professionals (Jerry King and Mike Jones from the Kapalua Resort, Sutee Nitikorn and Ed Kageyama from the Kaanapali Golf Resort) and the four LPGA Tour Professionals at the Ka’anapali Golf Resort’s Royal Course for the Aloha Team Classic Challenge.  The LPGA players thrilled the spectators with their fantastic play while their effortless swings and wonderful personalities made this a truly memorable day for everyone.  A special Mahalo to the entire team at the Ka’anapali Golf Resort for hosting the Challenge.

On Sunday evening over 50 participants, spouses/guests and LPGA professionals gathered for the Welcome Sunset Reception at the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club Longboard’s restaurant.  Fantastic food, marvelous views and lots of Aloha spirit were shared by all.  Winners for the Aloha Team Classic Challenge received their awards and prizes. 

The three day tournament began on Monday morning when all of the participants met at the Lahaina Cannery Mall for continental breakfast provided by Starbucks.  Afterwards participants boarded a bus provided by Polynesian Adventure Tours for transportation to and from The King Kamehameha Golf Club for the first round of golf.

Tournament play continued on Tuesday at Kapalua Resort’s Bay Course and the final round of golf on Wednesday was played on Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course.  Continental breakfast was provided each morning before teeing off and lunch followed golf each of the days at the Pineapple Grill and the Plantation Restaurant, respectfully.

Tournament Chairman Peter Grieves presents trophies and congratulates the tournament winners!

 1^st Place  -  Mike McElroy (Watsonville, CA) & Bob Walden (Nobelsville, IN)

Tuesday afternoon included a Clinic at the Kapalua Academy provided by the four LPGA Tour Professionals where over 60 eager golf fans including visitors and residents learned from these talented players how the game is played.  It was great to see some of Maui’s young people having opportunity to not only learn how to play better but also hear from each of these successful ladies how they too can reach for their goals and realize the promise of their future.The Aloha team Classic also included two additional evening activities.  On Tuesday evening a fantastic Wine Tasting and 5 course dinner was held at Sansei in Kapalua Resort.  A “Magical Evening” at David Paul’s Island Grill concluded the four day event on Wednesday evening.  Thanks to Brenton Keith and his Bag Full of Tricks who entertained all in attendance with his slight of hand and comedy.

The Aloha team Classic also included two additional evening activities.  On Tuesday evening a fantastic Wine Tasting and 5 course dinner was held at Sansei in Kapalua Resort.  A “Magical Evening” at David Paul’s Island Grill concluded the four day event on Wednesday evening.  Thanks to Brenton Keith and his Bag Full of Tricks who entertained all in attendance with his slight of hand and comedy.

The Aloha Team Classic is held each year to raise money on behalf of Beyond the Rainbow Foundation, which supports various youth agencies across Maui.  While attendance this year was lower due to the challenging economy proceeds from this year’s event are expected to be over $5,000 bringing the total raise during the first four years of the Aloha Team Classic to over $50,000.  Non-profit organizations which provide services to Maui youth, are invited to contact Beyond the Rainbow Foundation for information about submitting grant requests.  Agencies previously supported include The Lahaina Complex After School Tutoring Program, The Boys and Girls Club of Maui, The Maui Farm, Pa’ia Youth and Cultural Center, A Keiki Dream and the IMUA Family Services.