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pictured above Ed Kageyama

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An Extremely Busy Golf Professional, Mr. Ed Kageyama

by 808Golf

This edition we profile 37-Year-Old Ed Kageyama, PGA General Manager at Kaanapali Golf Courses & Aloha Section PGA President

1. 808Golf, Tell us a little about yourself?

EK, I went to the University of Washington and studied International Business & Japan Regional Studies with the intent to go into International Banking.  While at UW, I worked on campus at the UW Driving Range.  It was the busiest range in the city - we went through over 50,000 balls a day during our busy season.  It was there at the range that my game was getting pretty good and I met some professionals in the golf industry that mentioned about opportunities in the business of golf.  The combination of my major and Hawaii's golf business being a significant part of tourism, I thought this vocation may work out.  I accepted the positions as Assistant Golf Professional at Turtle Bay Country Club (as it was called then).  While at Turtle Bay, I was fortunate to work for two great PGA golf professionals, Gary Brown and Jody Shaw.  I gave myself 3 years to see where I could go in golf and to decide if the golf industry was for me.  I have now been a member of the PGA for nearly 10 year (since 1994) and have worked at some great clubs and with great people.

Work experience:

1. Asst. Professional - Turtle Bay Country Club

2. PGA Head Professional - Hawaii Prince Golf Club

3. Regional Operations Manager, Billy Casper Golf - PGA Director of Golf at Koolau Golf Course, Coral Creek Golf Course and Puakea Golf Course

4. PGA Director of Golf - Turtle Bay Resort

5. PGA Director of Golf - Luana Hills

6. PGA General Manager - Kaanapali Golf Courses (present)

2. 808Golf, Tell us the difference between the Aloha Section PGA/PGA in general and the PGA Tour?

EK, The Aloha Section PGA is an association of golf professionals (primarily at golf courses) who's mission is to promote and perpetuate the game of golf in Hawaii.  We are the business leaders, instructors, operators, tournament directors, Junior Golf leaders, etc. for the game of golf.  We are the local section of the PGA of America (national).  The PGA Tour is an association of golf professionals whose primary job is to play golf as a living.

3. 808Golf, what does the Aloha Section PGA do?

EK, The Aloha Section PGA  is the leader in the golf industry in Hawaii.  We have PGA representation at about 80% of all golf facilities, ranging from Assistant Professional to General Managers, from teachers to owners.  The Aloha Section PGA is the local arm of the PGA of America and our primary mission is to promote the game of golf and afford opportunities for our members.  We also do donate a considerable amount of time and money to developmental golf programs, especially junior golf programs.

4. 808Golf, If any youngsters want to be a part of the PGA and eventually become a head pro, director of golf, president of a section, president of all sections can you give them some advice?

EK, My personal opinion is I'd encourage all younger golfers who desire to get into the golf business to go to college first.  They could either get a 4-year degree from any four year university or college or a university or college offering a Professional Golf Management (PGM) program.  I believe a higher education is necessary today in any industry.  After school, they can start looking for a job in the golf industry and enter into the Golf Professional Training Program (GPTP) offered from the PGA.  The GPTP program will take about 4 - 5 years to complete.  Once complete, they are eligible to become a member of the PGA of America, a select group of only 27,000 in the United States.

5. 808Golf understands that you've turned Kaanapali around, can you tell us upon your arrival what was not up to par and some of the things you've done there to bring it back to par or even better?

EK, As with any retail business, you are selling a product.  In golf, we are still selling a product, but our product has many different facets.  In golf, our product is course conditions, service levels, merchandise selection, quality clubhouses, smooth greens, clean carts, amenities, and the overall experience of playing at Kaanapali.  Some aspects of our product are tangible, e.g. smooth greens, clean carts, etc., but there is huge part of golf that is intangible.  Examples of intangible product qualities are customer satisfaction, individual golf experience, ocean views and to some extent, weather is part of the product for golf in Hawaii.  Here at Kaanapali, we focused at trying to improve the entire Kaanapali product - tangible and intangible.

6. 808Golf, What else do you do besides running Kaanapali

EK, Beside being the PGA General Manager at Kaanapali, I am also President of the Aloha Section PGA.  The latter being equally if not more important than my primary job.  Although my job at Kaanapali is very important, being the "leader" of the leaders in golf in Hawaii is also a considerable job.  We have about 250 members and apprentices, but we also touch nearly every golfer in state, resident or non-resident.  Although my presidency is a two year term, I do take it seriously and would like to make an impact on the game of golf in Hawaii.

7. 808Golf, What are your plans for the near future/ far?

EK, At this point in time, I have so many things going on, I can't see past my nose, but I am driven by goals and visions.  As for Kaanapali, my immediate goal is to get Kaanapali back in the forefront of Hawaii golf.  We will continue to improve the overall golf product we offer, increase business and continue to promote golf on Maui.  As for the Aloha Section PGA, I plan to continue to promote the game of golf, provide more events for our members, provide more opportunities for our members, promote Hawaii golf to the world and to provide more opportunities for junior golfers to name a few.  However, first and foremost, my goal is to enjoy each and everyday.

8. 808Golf, If you could change one thing about Hawaii golf what will it be?

EK, There isn't much to complain about with regards to golf in Hawaii.  I've played golf in the snow in Seattle and I've also played golf in 120 degree heat in Arizona.  Hawaii is the most beautiful place to play golf.  We have some of the most spectacular golf vistas in the world.  I would like more people to know about what we have to offer.

To see Ed's 808Golf Bio click here

Mary Bea Porter-King | Dean Wilson | David Kim | Michelle Wie | Tommy Kim

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