Ed Kageyama (left) and David Havens were recently recognized by the Aloha Section PGA.

KAANAPALI – Ed Kageyama, PGA general manager of Kaanapali Golf Courses, which are managed by Billy Casper Golf (BCG), was recently awarded the Golf Professional of the Year Award by the Aloha Section PGA (ASPGA).

The prestigious award is based on a PGA member’s overall history with the organization with an emphasis on the past five years. Voted on by ASPGA members, it honors performance and achievement at his/her facility; service to the PGA and ASPGA; leadership, image and ability to inspire other PGA members; and promotion of the game of golf. Kageyama also won the award in 2006.

A 22-year veteran of Hawaii’s golf industry and past-president of the ASPGA, Kageyama was recognized for his stewardship of Kaanapali and three other BCG-managed courses in Hawaii. At Kaanapali’s helm since 2002, Kageyama oversaw a $13 million renovation and re-branding of the golf resort. He was recognized as one of the “Most Innovative People in Golf” in 2013 and was named one of the “Top 20 Most Admired Golf Operators” by Golf Inc. Magazine in 2008 and 2010.

Kageyama epitomizes innovation in finding new ways to communicate with golfers, attract them to the game of golf and keep them interested and playing. His ability to think outside of the box is unique – be it Kaanapali’s “Fit Club” (monthly golf fitness program) or the Golf My Way package (play 18 holes over seven days). Kaanapali was one of the first Hawaii facilities to jump into the social media scene in 2009 with both Facebook and Twitter, showcasing how the facility, as well as the hotels in the resort, could utilize these channels to reach consumers.

In 2004, Kaanapali created a winter internship program for several of BCG’s top seasonal staff. These “up-and-coming” staff worked all facets of the business, and many have become head professionals, general managers, superintendents and regional superintendents within BCG.

“I and Billy Casper Golf are firm believers in the need to mentor the next generation of golf professionals,” said Kageyama. “It is important for them to learn the ins and outs of operating a golf course, from agronomy and golf operations to merchandising and food and beverage.”

“Ed Kageyama has done a tremendous job transforming the Hawaii facilities, and his ability to innovate represents the best of what Billy Casper Golf achieves at our courses,” said Peter Hill, chairman and CEO of BCG. “He continues to set an example for his peers by consistently exceeding expectations.”

David Havens, PGA director of instruction at Kaanapali, was recently awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the ASPGA. It is based on the professional’s overall teaching performance, special teaching programs he/she has initiated or played a key role implementing, and outstanding golfers the professional has instructed.

In 2012, Havens was awarded the Junior Leader Award by the ASPGA for his work with Hawaii’s rising-star golfers. He is credited for bringing hundreds of new people of all ages into golf.

Teaching hundreds of students annually, including instruction programs in both West Maui and Hana, Havens has traveled the globe from China to Vietnam and Bhutan to Nepal establishing junior golf programs.

He also created his own nonprofit, “Spare for Change,” that recycles old golf clubs and donates them to golfers across America.

“When I was young, someone gave me the opportunity to play golf,” said Havens. “Working at Kaanapali and helping people get into the game is my way of giving back, so someone else has that same opportunity.”

For more information about Kaanapali Golf Courses, visit www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com, call 661-3691, Twitter @KaanapaliResort and visit www.facebook.com/kaanapaligolf.