Ocean Course at Hokuala Finishes in Top 3 of 711 Courses Worldwide in Acclaimed Instructional Program

Kellie Hines (left), Lorraine Jimenez (center) and Billie Perreira (right)

Kellie Hines creatively guides the next generation of Hokuala’s ‘rising stars’ 

(KAUA‘I, Hawai‘i) – Led by PGA Director of Instruction and sixth-generation native of Kaua‘i, Kellie Hines, the Ocean Course at Hokuala has earned five top-three finishes in the monthly 2022/23 Global Leaderboard Challenge of the golf instructional program, Operation 36 (“Ops36”):

• October 2022: 2nd place

• November 2022: 2nd place

• January 2023: 2nd place

• February 2023: 3rd place

• March 2023: 2nd place

Ops36 is a holistic golf training plan with 711 courses worldwide. Golf professionals pair their swing and course management expertise with technology to teach children and adults of all skill levels.

Hokuala’s Ops36 players contribute to the Global Leaderboard Challenge by logging their training sessions, playing golf and participating in Social Actions (Play a New Golf Course, Golf at Home Challenge, Club Wash, Picture with a Pro, Attend a Tour Event, Watch Live Coverage and New Golf Gear). Points are awarded for each post in the Ops36 app.

The program is segmented into Ranks and Divisions. Students begin to learn 12 skills by watching a video in the Ops36 app. Golf coaches then incorporate these skills into each week’s instruction. 9 holes of golf are played every other week.

New students begin play 25 yards away from the hole in Division 1. The student must shoot 36 or better to move to the next Division. The program features 6 Ranks and 10 Divisions. Since adopting the program in June 2021, Hokuala has introduced 137 new players to golf who began in Division 1.

“We have built a special golf ‘Ohana on Kaua‘i that includes children, adults and seniors,” said Hines. “When children and adults are paired together, it encourages them to learn from one another in a meaningful way. At the end of each semester, we conclude with a fun potluck dinner to socialize and celebrate with each other.” 

A notable Hokuala Ops36 success story features Billie Perreira. Starting at age 80, Perreira completed six semesters of Ops36. She sought to improve her game and keep playing as long as possible. Hokuala’s programming allowed Perreira to isolate her weaknesses, then build a game plan. With nutrition tips, stretching routines and strength exercises from Hines, her handicap index dropped six strokes at age 82! Now featuring a more rhythmic swing, her accuracy has improved dramatically. 

Hokuala’s Ops36 summer term runs from June 5 to July 15. This six-week session combines clinics, short- and long-game practice sessions with nine-hole outings. To learn more about Hines’ upcoming golf camps for all ages and skill levels, visit www.operation36golf.com/community-map/1409.