Next week, a nationally recognized mini golf tournament will arrive on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, bringing top players, boosting economic activity and fostering community on the island.
Anaina Hou Community Park will host the 28th annual U.S. Open Mini Golf from May 15 to 17, in partnership with the U.S. ProMiniGolf Association. Organizers say it marks the first time the national competition will be held in Hawaiʻi.
“We’re proud to host this event for what it brings back to the community,” said Ben Karon, CEO of Anaina Hou Community Park.
The 18-hole mini golf course serves as a living collection of native plants and a seed bank that guides players through the history of Hawai‘i and its tropical flora. Water hazards, pipe shots and other obstacles add to the game’s fun and challenge.
During the main tournament, participants will be randomly paired in groups of five. The lowest scores of the day will advance to the second round and then to the final round.
Karon also told Kauaʻi Now that theyʻd like to see more participants from the Garden Island.
“We would like for locals to sign up,” Karon said. “Since local players know the course better than the visiting pros, this is a great chance for Kaua‘i to show the touring players what competition is all about.”
Last year, Joey Graybeal of Tennessee won the 2025 U.S. Open at the TinCup Grill in Cumming, Georgia. He won the title in an exciting final round, beating runner-up Tom Butler.
This year, the three-day event is expected to draw about 150 professional and amateur competitors from across the the mainland and internationally to the park’s custom-designed, tournament-level mini golf course. Hundreds of gold enthusiasts are also anticipated to be present at the event, along with a broader audience following the competition online.
The tournament is expected to generate about $1 million in visitor spending, benefiting lodging, restaurants, businesses and transportation providers across the island. The tournament’s timing is expected to help fill a tourism gap between the winter holiday and the summer travel surge, according to organizers.
The schedule includes a Pro-Am tournament on May 15 followed by opening rounds of championship play on May 16 and final rounds with an awards ceremony and closing celebration on May 17. In addition to competition, organizers say the event will include activities designed to engage local families and visitors.
Those competing will vie for a $20,000 cash purse, split among the top 20 players. Ultimately, this event helps solidify Kaua‘i as a premier stop on the international mini golf touring circuit.
Proceeds from the tournament will be reinvested into the park’s youth programs, free community services and environmental initiatives.
“The U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship puts Kaua‘i on a national stage while directly supporting youth programming and the future of Anaina Hou,” Karon said.
Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said the event highlights how local partnerships can create island-wide benefits.
“Hosting the U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship on Kaua‘i is a great example of how locally-rooted organizations can create opportunities that benefit our entire island,” Kawakami explained.
“This event brings positive national attention to Kaua‘i, supports local businesses, and, most importantly, reinvests in programs that serve our keiki and community.”
Organizers said sponsorship and partnership opportunities remain available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the tournament and its community initiatives. The tournament also serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Anaina Hou Community Park.
