Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Alex Ruhlman, and I work in guest services at The Bay Course. Many times, I have been a visitor, but now I’m proud (and honestly a little relieved) to finally call myself a resident. I’ve been bouncing around the last few years — born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, studied as a Cornhusker in Lincoln, then ventured into Clinical Psychology. After a few years of research and work, that while I’m grateful for that experience, I quickly realized that I wanted a little more freedom — the kind that lets you chase sunsets instead of deadlines. Starting my own consulting business made that possible, and after some time back home in Colorado Springs, I knew it was time to return to the tropical weather I love. Kapalua gave me an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
If you could play a round of golf with any foursome (living or historical), who would you choose and why?
Joel Dahmen, Max Homa, and my dad — sentimental but also likely the funniest and most competitive group I could ask for.
What’s your go-to snack on the course?
An apple, a handful of pistachios, and a cold blue Gatorade (blue is absolutely a flavor, I won’t be convinced otherwise).
What would be your dream career if you weren’t working in golf?
I’m lucky enough to be chasing two dreams at once. I recently received my MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and started a management consulting business focusing on the well-being of employees.
What do you like doing when you’re not at work?
I love to golf, no surprise there. I’m also slowly learning to scuba dive thanks to my instructor (and very patient) sister, hiking whenever I can, and proudly moonlighting as a beach bum.
What’s your favorite hole at Kapalua, and why?
It’s tough to choose with all the incredible architecture and scenery here. But I’d say the 17th at Plantation keeps me up at night (in a good way) — it’s complex, stunning, and demands creativity. The 14th at the Bay is also a favorite; it’s the kind of hole where multiple playing styles can shine, which always makes it fun to watch and play.
If you could instantly master one golf skill, what would it be?
I’m extrapolating here, but if I could master anything, it’d be emotion regulation and focus — both on the course and off. Golf, much like life, tends to reward the people who can stay composed and stay present, even when the shot (or the day) doesn’t go as planned.
What’s your go-to recommendation for first-time visitors to make their Kapalua experience unforgettable?
Every visitor should go on a sunset cruise or snorkel trip with Sail Maui. They’ve got it all figured out — great boats, better crew, and somehow always the best snorkeling spots. I’m not just saying that because my sister works for them — but it doesn’t hurt.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The people, the conversations, the smiles. Everyone is pleasant to work with and for, and unless their expectations are better than their scorecard… everyone is happy. It’s a special place to walk into every day, and I look forward to making that walk for a long time.
What’s the best part of your job?
Well… that’s hard. The people, the conversations, the smiles. Everyone is pleasant to work with and for, and unless their expectations are better than their scorecard, everyone is happy. It’s truly a special place to walk into every day, and I look forward to making that walk for a long time. Plus, watching guests stripe it off the first tee with Honolua Bay as the backdrop never gets old.
What’s your favorite activity on your days off?
Well, I could say I enjoy building spreadsheets and analyzing data until my back aches and I go cross-eyed… but I’ll spare you. In reality, it’s always golf — whether it’s a full round, the range, or short-game work, nothing beats time on the course.
What’s one thing you think every visitor should do while they’re here?
Get out on the water. A sunset cruise, snorkel trip, or even just floating around — Maui from the ocean is a different kind of magic.