Viquelia earns Class A PGA membership

KUKUI‘ULA — The Club at Kukui‘ula announced that Assistant Golf Professional Taylor Viquelia recently achieved a Class A PGA membership, joining Director of Golf Todd Michaelsen and Assistant Golf Professional Oliver Jones as Kukui‘ula’s third PGA-certified professional.

Viquelia is the first Kaua‘i-born resident to achieve the distinguished honor in 122 years, and makes The Club at Kukui‘ula, designed by the late Tom Weiskopf, the only Kaua‘i golf course led by three PGA professionals.

“I love that you can play golf throughout your whole life,” Viquelia said. “No matter how old you are, anyone can pick up a club. I’ve played at remarkable golf courses around the world. Golf creates friendly competition in the outdoors. Plus, it is a great way to meet new people, and I have developed lifelong relationships through the sport of golf.”

Born and raised on Kaua‘i, Viquelia’s passion for golf started at the age of 3. Through the years, she has had many accomplishments, as well as received several awards through her career, including playing in the Hawai‘i State Junior Golf program, and recognition as Big Sky Conference Player of the Year during her junior year at Southern Utah University.

Viquelia combines her love of the sport and a degree in hospitality and resort management to create an unforgettable experience on the Kukui‘ula course for members and guests alike.

The Kaua‘i native started the PGA Apprenticeship program in 2019 that included passing three levels of intense classes, training and testing. Following the three years, Viguelia’s commitment and hard work in the PGA of America’s education program resulted in her achieving a Class A PGA Membership.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.