The Oklahoma Sooners will seek their fourth team title at Kā‘anapali.

KĀ’ANAPALI — The University of Hawai’i will host the ninth annual Kā’anapali Classic – Collegiate Invitational from Oct. 26-28 on the Royal Kā’anapali Course.

Annually a deep fall field in men’s college golf, 20 teams from 16 states will compete over three days for the Valley Isle title.

Play will start at 8:30 a.m. each day.

In partnership with 501(c)(3) organizations Spare for Change and Member for a Day, a fundraising campaign has been launched to benefit Maui’s wildfire victims, including Kā’anapali Golf Courses’ own associates who tragically lost everything.

The campaign has no minimum donation and no cost to register. Everyone is invited to help in one of two ways:

• Make a one-time contribution of your choice.

• Pledge the amount of your choice for each birdie and eagle made by your favorite school.

Scores and fundraising updates will be shared after each round. Check back often to see which university’s team, fans and alumni raise the most amount for families in need across the island. Pledges will close on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Following the Saturday, Oct. 28, trophy presentation on Kā’anapali’s driving range at approximately 3 p.m., Hawai’i men’s golf coach Scott Simpson, his players and multiple head coaches will lead a clinic for kids in the Maui Junior Golf Association and Lahaina Junior Golf Association. Local children will be given one-on-one access to NCAA Division I players and coaches, where they can discuss recruiting opportunities, course management techniques, swing tips and more. A shave ice truck will serve complimentary treats to all attendees.

“Everyone who lives in Hawai’i was impacted in some way by Maui’s wildfires. To see the devastation and people struggling for survival was hard to believe. Lahaina was such a historic town; seeing it burned so suddenly and unexpectedly was surreal. If there is any silver lining, it’s how people from all over the islands have really come together to support one another,” said Simpson, a seven-time PGA Tour winner.

“We consulted with everyone for two weeks to see if we would have the tournament. The debate centered on being sensitive to the recovery versus raising funds for those affected and creating a positive boost to the local economy, while drawing attention to Maui families still in need of financial assistance with our fundraising efforts. I think we made the right decision.”

Simpson added, “Each team will be donating to the relief effort to help Kā’anapali’s affected workers. The Kā’anapali Classic is one of America’s top college tournaments. Everyone is excited to come. It will be a somber yet joyous tournament to support those affected by the fires.”

MAUI HOMECOMING

Dillon Jonke, who graduated in spring 2023 from Maui Preparatory Academy, will reunite with family and friends on Maui for the first time since he left for Cal State Northridge in early August, just days after the Maui wildfires. Jonke was a key contributor on Maui Prep’s 2022 Hawai’i High School Athletic Association championship team, placing as the individual runner-up at the Kā’anapali Golf Courses’ hosted event.

The current CSUN freshman noted in a recent interview that during this time last year, he attended a dinner with CSUN’s golf team in Lahaina Town. Now, the restaurant and entire town have been destroyed.

When asked about his emotions ahead of coming home to Maui, he stated, “I know that I’m gonna be all over the place. I’m gonna experience everything, remembering many fun memories as well as the hardship of knowing that that’s no longer there. Each team traveling to Hawai’i cares about Kā’anapali. We’re very thankful for the opportunity to play and show our appreciation for everyone on Maui.”

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS & CONFERENCES

Teams from Air Force, Boise State, Clemson, Colorado, CSUN, Denver, East Tennessee State, Georgia, Gonzaga, Hawai’i, Kansas, Liberty, Louisiana Lafayette, Mount St. Mary’s, North Florida, Oklahoma, Sacramento State, San Jose State, UConn and Wyoming are competing in the tournament, representing the ACC (1), ASUN (2), Big 12 (2), Big East (1), Big Sky (1), Big West (2), MAAC (1), Mountain West (5), Pac-12 (1), SEC (1), SoCon (1), Summit League (1) and Sun Belt (1).

Four teams visiting Maui qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championships: Colorado, East Tennessee State, Georgia and Oklahoma.

Eleven players in this year’s field are ranked in the top-100 of the PGA Tour University Rankings. Oklahoma senior Ben Lorenz is the tournament’s highest-ranked individual at No. 14.

When describing the venue, Simpson noted, “Royal Kā’anapali is a really fun course. Certain spots can get you into trouble, but overall, these college kids have a chance to make a lot of birdies. Kā’anapali’s staff always has the course in fantastic condition. Fast greens are the course’s best defense. Accurate iron shots help avoid big breaks on their undulating greens.”

TOURNAMENT HISTORY

Storied men’s golf programs that have captured the Kā’anapali Classic team title include Oregon (2014), Oklahoma (2015, 2019, 2022), Clemson (2016), LSU (2017), California (2018) and Kansas (2021).

ATTENDANCE

Tournament attendance is free, and walking spectators are welcome. Parking can be accessed via Kā’anapali Golf Courses and Whalers Village throughout the event.