The future stars of the PGA Tour were on display at the Waikoloa Kings’ Course in early February, participating in the 22nd Annual Amer Ari collegiate golf tournament. The University of Texas Longhorns (pictured above), the No. 1-ranked team in the country, held a wire-to-wire lead for a 5-stroke victory over the USC Trojans. The Trojans, though, celebrated their teammate Jeffrey Kang, who beat Texas’ Jordan Spieth in a sudden death playoff to take home low medalist honors for individual play. “It was a great week,” said Earl Tamiya, Men’s Head Golf Coach at the University of Hawai`i Hilo, tournament host. “We are proud of all the teams who came to the Big Island and participated, and we’d especially like to congratulate the Texas Longhorns for an impressive win.” A total of 20 teams participated in the Amer Ari in 2012, including eight of the top 15 ranked teams in the U.S.
Diners will be encouraged to “get some sand between their toes” when dining at the new Lava Lava Beach Club, opening at Waikoloa Beach Resort in April. Located just south of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and managed by the same folks who have been pleasing visitors and locals alike for many years at Kona’s renowned Huggo’s, “Lava Lava Beach Club will be a place people can come enjoy the beach and the sunset in a very relaxed environment,” says owner Scott Dodd. “Whether you are out for a fun night of casual dining or just coming off your paddleboard, you’ll feel right at home at Lava Lava Beach Club.”
The restaurant will have a comfortable feel, with many options to sit directly outside on the beach. Surrounded by swaying coconut trees and tropical trade winds, the restaurant will feature “relaxed island cuisine” and a varied menu with options for light dining on fresh fish tacos and burgers as well as the Chef’s creative preparations of steak, Hawaiian seafood and more upscale options.