Sale in process for two Kaanapali golf courses

Negotiations are under way for the sale of the Royal Ka’anapali and Ka’anapali Kai golf courses, according to an announcement Friday from the prospective buyer.

The adjacent 18-hole golf courses are owned by Royal Kaanapali Holdings, and the buyer is Pacific Links International, according to Pacific Links spokeswoman Monica Salter.

She said that the parties were in the process of finalizing the purchase of the West Maui golf courses.

“It hasn’t closed at this point,” Salter said Friday afternoon. “They are in a due diligence period.”

She said that there are 90 golf course employees, but they would be retained by the new owner, if the purchase goes through as expected.

An employee at the golf courses’ shop said no one was available to answer questions Friday afternoon.

Incorporated into the prospective acquisition is a leased land agreement that includes a number of commercial properties, including the Roy’s restaurant in Kaanapali.

Pacific Links is the title sponsor of the Hawaii Championship being hosted next week at the Kapolei Golf Club on Oahu.

The purchase of the Maui golf courses would bring Pacific Links’ international assets to 11, with properties in Hawaii, Las Vegas and West Virginia.

“We are sharply focused on providing our members and guests with a link of quality courses around the globe, where they can build memorable golf experiences in premier destination markets,” said Bruce Simonds, chief executive officer of Pacific Links International. “The acquisition of Royal Ka’anapali and Ka’anapali Kai, and our expansion to the magnificent island of Maui, would strategically align with this mission and significantly increase our Hawaii portfolio.”

Micah Kane, chief operating officer for Pacific Links Hawaii, said that the company aims to “provide an unparalleled golf experience for our guests, and at the same time, form a sustainable model that strengthens Hawaii’s economy.

“Maui already is a destination of choice for golf enthusiasts; we will be pleased to establish a Pacific Links presence in this market and help reinvigorate Hawaii’s golf industry while also giving back to the community through the Pacific Links Hawai’i Foundation.”

The Royal Ka’anapali course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1962. It is a par-71, 6,700-yard course and was ranked No. 14 in Hawaii by Golfweek. The course has hosted a number of PGA Tour events, including 13 Champions Tour events, the LPGA Kemper Open and five years of hosting the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game featuring Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and other Hall of Fame members, according to an announcement.

Also opened in 1962, the par-70, 6,400-yard Ka’anapali Kai course was originally designed by Jack Snyder and was renovated in 2005 by golf course architect Robin Nelson.

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