Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Tyler Phillips, and I am one of the Assistant Golf Professionals here at Kapalua. I’ve been here for a little over four years now, but I was previously at Kahili Golf Course for three years on Maui, and before that, I worked as a caddie at Pebble Beach for three years as well.
If you could play a round of golf with any person (living or historical), who would you choose and why?
I would choose to play with Arnold Palmer. It might be an obvious choice, but to be in his presence and learn from him for an entire round would be phenomenal. If I could round out the foursome, I would pick Mookie Betts and Bill Murray. What a group that would be—nonstop laughter!
What’s your go-to snack on the course?
You can never go wrong with a good hotdog and cold beverage!
If you weren’t working in golf, where would you be?
I have two loves outside of golf, astronomy and marine biology! I love being in the water and burying my mind in the nights sky!
What’s the best piece of golf advice you’ve ever received?
That swinging hard doesn’t always mean that the ball will go farther. That sometimes just a smooth, consistent swing with consistently good contact with the ball will result in long enough drives that end up in the short stuff.
What’s your favorite local food spot you would recommend to our visitors?
Joey’s Kitchen is located in Napili Market. It serves great local food, and the chef/owner gives back to his staff and his community. It’s a wonderful place to support!
What’s your favorite beach on Maui?
Maluaka in Wailea! Great snorkeling, the good-sized beach so it rarely gets overcrowded, and a family-friendly beach!
8. What’s one thing you think every visitor should do while they’re here?
Going to the top of Haleakala (the dormant volcano here on Maui) for either the sunset (first come first serve) or sunrise (by appointment only). Stay awhile after the sunset or get there even earlier for the sunrise and just take in all the night sky has to offer, it’s something spectacular, you won’t be disappointed! It’s a must-do at least once in your lifetime!
Arnie would be my choice also. At the Canadian Open I walked with him down the fairways when such a thing allowed. Bill Murray would be a hoot. Need to think of a 4th.
Played Kapalua in 2022 on April fool’s day but was no a foolish idea. Three great playing partners who gamely played from 7295. No three putts on that day however planned all par fives for three shots. Great misty day gave way wind direction.
Thank you for the additional choice on food and beach.
We love the Coffee Attic.
Mourned the fire destroying the places we visited that year. Hope to come back, unfortunately not until you have a different leadership.
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