When it came time for Mark Rolfing to look for another challenge, he didn't have to venture far. Rolfing takes on
a new challenge
By Randy Cadiente
rcadiente@starbulletin.comRolfing, the host of "Golf Hawaii" and a nationally recognized golf commentator, has signed a multi-year contract with Prince Resorts Hawaii as its golf consultant and promotional partner.
"Primarily, it's the right thing to do now, for me, at this point of my career," said Rolfing during a luncheon at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club last Wednesday. "This is a perfect next step. The timing was perfect.
"Frankly, I ran out of challenges," he added. "It's one I'm looking forward to. I'm real excited about it. I think it's going to be a great relationship."
Rolfing will have his work cut out for him.
The Prince Resorts Hawaii operates four of the top golf courses in the islands Makena on Maui, Hawaii Prince Golf Club on Oahu, and Mauna Kea and Hapuna on the Big Island. And if Rolfing can work the same magic he did when he was at Kapalua, the Prince Resorts Hawaii will reap the benefits of his endeavors.
"Mark Rolfing has been at the heart and soul of Hawaii's golf for more than two decades," said Prince Resorts Hawaii president George Ariyoshi. "He is known to golfers worldwide for his insightful commentary with NBC on major PGA championships, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. Mark is the perfect partner to help Prince further define and promote our superb golf courses."
Rolfing said one of his goals is to host a major event involving players from the PGATour at one of the Prince Resorts Hawaii courses.
"I can't emphasize what an event (like a PGA tournament) means to a property," he said. "We saw it work at Kapalua. I don't see why it can't work here.
"The goal is to make everyone coming to this state play at one of the Prince Resorts courses."
Donn Takahashi, vice president and regional director for Prince Resorts Hawaii, echoed Rolfing's vision.
"Bringing Mark onboard is part of our goal to move forward and make the Prince golf experience like no other in Hawaii, to take something that is already well established and make it even better.
"We will be looking to draw upon Mark's experience in developing signature golf tournaments in Hawaii, and to leverage his contacts with top players on the pro tour and national broadcast media."
Takahashi said Prince Resorts Hawaii wanted to take golf to another level and Rolfing is the one to do it.
"He's going to be our poster child," Takahashi said.
