About Ben Hongo
About Ben Hongo
About Ben Hongo
- 2004 Aloha Section PGA Teacher of the Year
- 2017 Aloha Section PGA Teacher of the Year
- 2008 Aloha Section Youth Development Leader of the Year
- 2013 Aloha Section Youth Development Leader of the Year
- 2018 Aloha Section Horton Smith Award
- “Best Teachers in Hawaii” voted by Golf Digest 2003 to 2025
- Champion of (2) Aloha Section PGA tournaments
- 2023 ASPGA Golf Professional of the Year
HISTORY
Ben has been member of Aloha Section PGA since 1989 when he accepted an assistant golf professional position at Kapalua Golf. He was elected to PGA of America Class-A membership in 1992. After the 1996 season at Kapalua, he took a position as First Assistant Professional at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. He was introduced to Jim McLean and was named Master Instructor for Jim McLean Golf School PGA West in La Quinta, California. In 1999, he returned to Kapalua to open the Kapalua Golf Academy where he ultimately took over as Director of Instruction under Troon Golf. Today, he is the Director of Instruction for Hongo Golf and recognized as one of the best golf instructor in Hawaii as he’s been named one of the Best Teachers in Hawaii by Golf Digest. He can be found at Kapalua.
FAMILY
His family immigrated from Japan to Florida, Alabama, Santa Barbara but finally settling in San Luis Obispo, California. He comes from a restaurant family as his father was a pioneer in sushi cuisine in Southern California and he jokingly says if the golf career does not work out, he will go into a kitchen. Needless to say, he considers himself as a foodie and loves to go to various restaurants Maui has to offer. He still enjoys the game of golf and can be seen playing around Maui on his off time. His family include Liz, wife of 21 years and Hanna, his daughter who is attending Lahainaluna High School. His hobbies include fitness, eating and spending time with friends.
LOVE THE GAME
His love for golf traces back to his youth in Santa Barbara where he learned his craft at Sandpiper Golf Club. He played every chance he had and joined Santa Barbara Junior Golf Association. He did not have much success at first but upon moving to San Luis Obispo, he met his mentor, Roger Whincup. His game improved enough to become 4-time varsity letterman for SLO High School, VIP, Team Captain, All-League and played in 2 CIF Individual State Championship.
CAREER
He played his collegiate golf at Cuesta College and became All-Conference in his freshman year. But he learned his dream to play on PGA Tour was not going to be realized so he changed his dream of being Professional Golfer to be Golf Professional. He attended San Diego Golf Academy and graduated with a degree in Golf Course Operations and Management. Soon after his time in San Diego, he walked into Gary Planos, Director of Golf’s, office in Kapalua where he started his career as PGA Golf Professional.
Credentials
Areas of Focus
Putting
Short Game
Full Swing
Fitness
Club Fitting
Bunker Play
Fundamentals
Jr. Golf
Women’s Golf
Competitive Golf
College Prep
Playing Experience
Collegiate Golfer
PGA Section Events
Teaching Experience
Collegiate Golfers
25 Years PGA Class A
Certifications
TPI
PGA Professional
Club Fitting Certifications
Callaway
Ping
TaylorMade
Titleist
Teaching Tools
TrackMan
UberSense
Video Analysis