KAPALUA, Hawaii — He is fond of telling people that he has “the best office in the world,” and it’s hard to argue with Mike Jones. As the director of golf at the Kapalua Resort, his panoramic view of paradise comes in technicolor from above the first tee at the Plantation Course.
Lanai to the left. Molokai to the right. Whales breaching left and right. And the endless blue ocean contrasting splendidly with the endless stretch of green fairways.
Nearly perfect on every day, though this week it will almost be an embarrassment of riches. Beyond nature’s splendor, Jones’ staff and the island of Maui will play host to arguably the strongest field the Hyundai Tournament of Champions has had since the glory days of Tiger Woods, back when it was known as the Mercedes-Benz Championship and Ernie Els provided stiff competition and even Phil Mickelson showed up.