GOLF.AI • Oct 6, 2026

LPGA's 'Ruthless' Hawaii Power Play

In one of the biggest golf stories of the year, the LPGA Tour is making a bold statement by moving its LOTTE Championship to the Plantation Course at Kapalua, the iconic venue the PGA Tour vacated after a 27-year run. The move, set for March 2027, is more than a schedule change; it's a strategic land grab for a world-class, TV-ready venue, signaling a new, aggressive era under Commissioner Craig Kessler.

Kessler has openly described his strategy for elevating the tour's schedule as being "ruthless on all three of those fronts," referring to routing, courses, and purses. This move perfectly encapsulates that philosophy, demonstrating a deliberate and ambitious power play. By securing a course with immense historical and visual equity, the LPGA is proactively capturing a larger share of the spotlight, capitalizing on the current fragmentation in men's professional golf.

The decision is a massive win for Maui, which is still recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires. Kapalua's General Manager, Alex Nakajima, highlighted the economic boon, stating, "every business on Maui will benefit." The timing also creates a new "Hawaii Swing" in March, a logistically sound position after the tour's Asian swing and perfectly aligned with Maui's prime whale-watching season for stunning television visuals.

The story is made even more compelling by a local hero element. Hawaii native and U.S. Women's Open champion Allisen Corpuz expressed deep personal excitement. "Growing up in Hawaii, attending the Lotte Championship was always a highlight for me," Corpuz said. "I think Kapalua is an incredible venue to showcase the beauty of Hawaii and everything that makes the islands so special."