Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii (November 1, 2022) – Princeville Makai Golf Club Assistant Superintendent Damian Baptiste was recently selected as a winner of the 2022 John Companius Holm Award from the National Weather Service (NWS) Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The prestigious award is presented each year to no more than 25 cooperative weather observers from across the country for their outstanding service in the field of weather observations. According to the NWS, there are approximately 11,000 weather observers nationwide.
Baptiste has personally tracked weather data and patterns at Princeville Makai Golf Club, located on Kauai’s beautiful North Shore, for more than 36 years. He reports his readings and observations to the National Weather Service on a daily basis, and has since 1985. In addition, Baptiste’s data and knowledge are used to predict (with near pinpoint accuracy) if the famed golf property will receive rain and if disturbances will form into hurricanes. Princeville Makai Golf Club annually receives more than 90 inches of rain per year.
“For the more than 36 years we have been collecting data and the entire team has worked diligently to achieve this fantastic recognition. It is truly an honor to receive this award from the National Weather Service,” said Baptiste.
Created in 1959, the Holm Award provides the NWS with a way to honor cooperative weather observers for outstanding accomplishments in the field of meteorological observations. The namesake for this award is a Lutheran minister, John Campanius Holm, the first known person to have taken systematic weather observations in the American Colonies. Reverend Holm made observations of climate without the use of instruments in 1644 and 1645, near the present site of Wilmington, Delaware. He is considered by some to be the first weatherman in America. In later years, his son had his records published.
Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon, manages Princeville Makai Golf Club. For more information on Princeville Makai Golf Club, visit www.makaigolf.com.
About the Princeville Makai Golf Club
Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. In 2009 and 2010, the course was completely renovated by Jones Jr., introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. Since the renovation, the Makai Course has soared to the top of golf's most respected rankings, including Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America,” “Top 3 Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii” by Golfweek, and named one of the "Top 5 Great Golf Settings" in the world by National Geographic Traveler. With six oceanfront holes overlooking the stunning North Shore, picturesque views of Makana, commonly referred to as Bali Hai from the 1958 film “South Pacific”, and dozens of waterfalls cascading from nearby peaks (Nāmolokama and Māmalahoa), Princeville Makai Golf Club is the definition of golf in paradise. In addition to golf, Princeville Makai Golf Club is also home to Sunset Golf Cart Tours, the Mauka Disc Golf Course, Sunrise Yoga, a popular tennis facility and many jaw dropping sites for banquets and special celebrations.
Princeville Makai Golf Club’s key amenity, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay will begin welcoming guests in the fall of 2022 following a multi-million dollar renovation. Perched above legendary Hanalei Bay, this new luxury resort will feature 252 rooms, including 51 suites. Thoughtful touches will bring nature into each space, with native greenery, reclaimed materials, organic cotton linens, and lush gardens. The hotel’s views of the verdant cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and breathtaking Hanalei Bay will leave guests mesmerized.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 750-plus locations, including 725-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf and ICON Management. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com