In a memorable ceremony held at Callaway Golf’s corporate headquarters in March, Tom Freestone, PGA General Manager of the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, was honored with a prestigious induction into the Callaway Golf Staff Professional Hall of Fame.
Freestone, who has been a Callaway Golf Staff Professional for 13 years, was surrounded by industry peers and family when the recognition was announced.
“Simply put, I am filled with a tremendous gratitude,” Freestone expressed, reflecting on the significance of the honor.
His long commitment to the brand, combined with his excellence in offering world-class golf instruction, quality club fittings, and hosting championship events, led to this distinguished recognition.
Following the induction ceremony, attendees participated in a round of golf and an in-depth session about Callaway’s innovations and contributions to the sport of golf.
This included a fascinating exploration of the company’s history, achievements at both amateur and professional levels, and discussions on advanced technologies such as AI, dispersion ratios, and dimple patterns.
Freestone shared his experiences meeting notable Callaway executives like Randy Rubin, Joel Rump, and Corey Newman, describing them as the best in their field.
“These guys are the best at what they do.
They design, fit and tweak equipment for the world’s best players.
Personally interacting with them and learning how they hone their skills was gratifying,” he said.
Callaway Golf’s partnership with Troon goes back to the brand’s early days when Dana Garmany purchased Troon North’s first rental set of clubs, creating a foundation for strong relationships between manufacturers and staff professionals in the golf industry.
Freestone emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction in their work, noting that when a guest’s club fitting goes well, it fosters a deeper relationship between staff and customers.
“When the guest is happy, that makes us happy,” Freestone elaborated.
The Ocean Course at Hōkūala, which operates as an ‘ohana (family), is notable for its generational ties, with many family members proudly working together there.
The entire teaching staff also aligns with Callaway Golf, reflecting the manufacturer’s familial approach.
Freestone expressed his admiration for the growth of Callaway Golf as an ‘ohana, drawing attention to figures like CEO Chip Brewer and club designer Roger Cleveland, who have both played key roles in the company’s legacy.
Most recently, Freestone added to his accolades by earning the “Low PGA Member” award for his performance at the 2025 Mid-Pacific Open on Oahu.
Under Freestone’s stewardship, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala offers various game-improvement programs for golfers of all ages, collaborating with organizations such as the Aloha Section PGA and First Tee Hawai‘i.
Additionally, the club is equipped year-round with a Callaway Golf fitting cart and Trackman technology, ensuring that guests can receive custom club fittings whenever needed.
For more information on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, visit www.golfhokuala.com.
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