Poipu Bay’s greens are brand new and Leilehua, Kauai Lagoons and Princeville Prince are making changes as 2011 starts with a full schedule of tournaments.

Poipu reopened Dec. 16 after being closed eight months to change the greens from Tifdwarf Bermuda grass to a seashore paspalum hybrid that is drought tolerant and needs less fertilizer. The clubhouse also was updated.

The course is offering a variety of packages to celebrate, most directed at visitors but some for juniors. Golfers 17 and under can play for half off the adult rate anytime. After 4 p.m., juniors are free if they walk with an adult, who pays $10.

The course will host qualifiers for the U.S. Amateur Public Links and U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links on May 21 and the U.S. Women’s Open sectional qualifier May 22.

Poipu also will host the HSJGA Mixed Team Championship in September.

Renovations have started at Leilehua Golf Course, which will have only nine holes open most of this year. The work is expected to take 13 months. It will include changes to the greens, tees and cart paths. A forward tee for seniors, juniors and women will be added.

Princeville’s Prince Course is in the final stages of planning renovations and could be closed this month, for six months or more.

Nagorski Golf Course is next for renovations, but a starting date has not been nailed down.

Amateurs are welcome

Amateurs who are not in college can play in the University of Hawaii-Hilo Invitational next month at Waikoloa Kings’ Course. There will be a college-am Feb. 1, with teams made up of four amateurs and two college players. The 54-hole collegiate tournament is Feb. 2-4.

Format for the college-am will be best gross score of the college players and the two best scores among the amateurs.

Cost to play is $500 per amateur for golf, a prize package, lunch and awards dinner. Proceeds benefit Hawaii-Hilo golf.

This is the 22nd year of the tournament. Teams coming include top-ranked UCLA, No. 2 Oklahoma State, No. 5 Georgia Tech, No. 7 Texas, Oregon State and UH-Manoa.

For information or to register, contact Johnny Eusebio at 808-886-1000 or jeusebio@waikoloaland.com.