Four Seasons Resorts Lanai Tees Off the New Year

Published on : Friday, January 17, 2014

Already revered as a top golf destination boasting two expert-designed courses in one of the most stunning locations in the world, Four Seasons Resorts Lanai announces additional improvements to its golf program providing for an enhanced experience both on and off its premier courses. The Resort has hired a new Director of Golf, added a new clubhouse restaurant and reveals plans for the redesign of its Koele course.
Effective January 27, 2014, Four Seasons Resorts Lanai will assume the management of golf operations for the Manele Bay golf course, one of Jack Nicklaus’ crowning achievements in golf design, and the Koele course, which closed in early January for renovations. The Resort recently appointed new Director of Golf Scott Ashworth, PGA, who joins Four Seasons from Kauai Lagoons where he served as PGA director of golf and grounds. Ashworth has more than 25 years of experience in the golf industry and has received many accolades while a member and President of the PGA Aloha Section including Golf Professional of the Year for Hawaii, Bill Strausbaugh Award (2009, 2012), the Horton Smith Award, and most recently, Merchandiser of the Year.
“This is a new position for Four Seasons Resorts Lanai and we’re excited to have Scott, an accomplished golf professional, at the helm as we continue to elevate our golf program,” says Tom Roelens, general manager ofFour Seasons Resorts Lanai. “We’ll be the first Four Seasons property in Hawaii to manage golf operations in house, joining other prestigious Four Seasons managed courses in locations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mauritius, and more.”
In addition, Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay unveiled a new clubhouse restaurant, VIEWS, featuring a contemporary design inspired by the works of early Hawaiian artisans. The new cliff-side restaurant showcases views of Pu’u Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, and the magnificent Manele Bay beach. Long infinity edge tables made from monkey pod wood slabs found on the Big Island are perfect for watching spinner dolphins, or during winter months, humpback whales, while enjoying lunch or bite after a round. The restaurant is open for lunch and happy hour, and features a selection of beverages and island-inspired classic menu items including a fresh Catch of the Day & Chips or the Hulopo’e Bay Prawn BLT.
The decor reflects the colours of the island, from the dark brown/black and bronze of the land to the subtle sand, beige and cream tones found on the beaches of Lanai. The marble mosaic flooring was designed with a dramatic pattern inspired by traditional Hawaiian tapa bark cloths, which is also interwoven into other design elements such as the dining chairs and upholstery fabrics.
In December 2014, the Koele course will reopen following a redesign by Jack Nicklaus, who also designed the Manele Bay golf course. In contrast to its sister course at Manele, Koele’s layout in the cooler uplands of Lanai offers stunning views of mountains and lush greens, with the ocean in the distance. Course enhancements will include improved turf conditions with wall-to-wall new turf, possibly paspalum, which aids in water conservation efforts by using effluent or reclaimed water. The renovation will also include new sand in the bunkers, new irrigation, and some improved routing for the course.