It was an exciting finish to the Sony Open in Hawaii this year, as Ryan Palmer and Robert Allenby were tied coming down the final fairway. Palmer's eagle chip hit the flagstick and the ball settled just inches from the cup, while Allenby's chip ended up about 9 feet away. When Allenby missed his putt, Palmer tapped in for a one-shot victory and then punched the air emphatically. Palmer's 15-under-par winning total with rounds of 65-66-68-66 earned him $990,000. Allenby collected $594,000 for second. Steve Stricker was third, earning $374,000. Retief Goosen, who had a tournament-best 62 in the final round, finished 4th.
Kaneohe's Dean Wilson, who was one of only six Hawaii golfers to make it to Sunday, tied for 43rd place and won $19,250. Wilson finished with a 3-under-par 277. Wilson's earnings on tour last year, means this year, he has to get sponsor's exemptions or must qualify for each event. Wilson will look to Monday Qualify at both the San Diego and Los Angeles tour stops, and based on his status as a PGA Tour winner, will likely get into the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico.
Kevin Hayashi Makes Cut at Sony Open in Hawaii
The Aloha Section PGA's 2009 Player of the Year, Kevin Hayashi, made the Sony Open in Hawaii's 36-hole cut for the first time in 10 attempts this year. His bogey-free round of 67 on Friday, following an opening 74, secured him a Saturday spot in Hawaii's premier golf event - and gave him a shot at some of the event's $5.5 million purse.
Hayashi, a Hilo Municipal club pro, joined Dean Wilson as the only local pros to make it to the weekend. Other local golfers who missed the cut included: amateur TJ Kua and Nick Mason (3-over), Parker McLachlin (4-over) and Tadd Fujikawa (7-over). Due to an additional Saturday cut, Hayashi missed making it to Sunday following a third round 75.
2010 Wendy's Champions Skins Game Results
Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson won nine of the first 10 skins and withstood a late charge from defending champions Ben Crenshaw and Fuzzy Zoeller to win the 2010 Wendy's Champions Skins Game. Nicklaus and Watson collected 10 skins overall and $350,000, while Crenshaw and Zoeller finished second with five skins and $230,000. For Nicklaus, it was his fourth victory in the Wendy's Champions Skins Game and second with Watson (2007) since the event switched to a team/alternate-shot format in 2006. Today's victory was also Watson's third overall in the Wendy's Champions Skins Game.
Fred Couples and Nick Price finished third with 3 skins and $190,000. The team of Gary Player and Loren Roberts were shut out. The event will be televised on ESPN (tape delay) on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 (11 am to 1 pm HST).
Tom Watson Wins Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai
The 2010 Champions Tour kicked off its season with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, held at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai Golf Course in Historic Ka'upulehu, HI, January 18-24.
In one of the great head-to-head battles of all-time on the Champions Tour, 60-year-old Tom Watson birdied the last two holes to overtake Fred Couples and win his 13th career event on the Champions Tour and first at stroke play in almost two years. Couples, making his debut on the circuit this week, was bidding to become just the 16th player in Champions Tour history to win his first start and appeared to be in the driver's seat after making a 15-foot birdie putt at No. 16. However, Watson holed an eight-foot birdie putt to tie Couples at No. 17. On the final hole, Watson's wedge shot stopped five feet from the cup while Couples' approach landed 10 feet. After Couples misjudged the speed of his putt and missed left, Watson stepped up and holed his putt for victory, ending an 0-33 career victory drought in the state of Hawaii. Both players made six birdies and an eagle in the final round and Couples' 8-under 64, the low round of the day, came up one stroke short.
Before today, Tom Watson's last victory in a stroke-play event came at the 2008 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. The week after winning in Tampa, he teamed with Andy North to win the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf (17 official events ago), a better-ball official event. Watson's win today at 60 years, 4 months and 20 days made him the second oldest winner in Mitsubishi Electric Championship history (Hale Irwin, 2007, 61 years, 7 months, 18 days) and the 13th oldest overall winner in Champions Tour history.
Celebrating its 14th year on the Big Island, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai marked the start of the 2010 Charles Schwab Cup points race and featured a star-studded field of 36 players who have accounted for 477 combined victories on both the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour. The 54-hole event featured a $1.8 million purse and was open to Champions Tour major championship winners of the last five years, other tournament winners of the last two years and eight sponsor invitees reserved for players with a minimum of 30 combined career victories or a 15 combined victories with at least one major title.
Mueller Captures Title with 19-Under-Par Total
at Turtle Bay Resort Hawai'i State Open
Jesse Mueller of Mesa, AZ captured the title with a seven shot advantage to capture the title at the Turtle Bay Resort Hawaii State Open. The Open was held at Turtle Bay Golf's Arnold Palmer and George Fazio golf courses from Dec. 17 - 20. A record 252 golfers from around the state and from the mainland gathered to compete in Hawaii's premier local golfing event.
Mueller (33-31), 2009 Hawaii Pearl Open champion, shot an 8-under-par 64 on the Fazio course in the final round to win the Open division with a three-day total of 19-under-par 197. In second place was Dean Wilson (32-34), who shot a final round 66 for a three-day total of 12-under-par 204. Tied for third at 9-under-par 207 were Samuel Cyr (34-32) of San Diego, CA, Michael Feuerstein (35-31) of La Jolla, CA and low amateur David Fink (33-34) of Kailua, HI.
Kirk Nelson (37-37) of Makena Golf Course, who just turned 50 earlier that week, shot a final round 74 to capture the Senior Division title with a three-day total 10-under-par 206. Two shots back in second place was Champions Tour player Dave Eichelberger (36-31) with a total of 208. In third was Aloha Section PGA Senior Player of the Year Lance Taketa (33-38) of Hilo Muni Golf Course at 211. Low Senior amateur Eric Sonnenberg (36-38) came in 5th place at 215.
There was a three-way tie for first in the Women's Division at 220. LPGA member Katie Kempter (37-37) of Albuquerque, NM won the title after birdying the second playoff hole against defending champion, Cyd Okino (37-39) of Honolulu, HI and Xyra Suyetsugu (37-35) of Honolulu, HI. Okino, 16, captured the low amateur honors.
Justin Kurihara, 13, of Honolulu, HI shot a 75 for a three-day total 220 to win the Men's A-Flight division and Iris Kawada, 12, of Kaneohe, HI won the Women's A-Flight with a 254.
Notables like Tadd Fujikawa, Jarett Hamamoto (qualified for final stage of PGA Q-School), David Ishii and Nick Mason (Defending Champion) were also in the field. Other standout players entered were Aloha Section PGA Player of the Year Kevin Hayashi and Bradley Shigezawa to name just a few. There was also a surprise entry by world-renowned professional surfer Kelly Slater to round out the field.
Wie Wins First LPGA Event
In November, Michelle Wie erased one of the main criticisms of her career by breaking through for her first professional win. The 20-year-old Wie hit a spectacular bunker shot to within a foot on the final hole, leading to a birdie and a two-shot victory at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Guadalajara, Mexico. The win was Wie's first since the 2003 Women's Amateur Public Links Championship, where she became the youngest in history to win an adult USGA event.
Wie again made a strong bid for victory at the Dubai Ladies Masters in December, only to finish runner-up to In-Kyung Kim by three shots. Wie shot a seven-under-par 65 in the final round of the LPGA's season-ending event, but Kim responded with a 68 for an 18-under-par winning total.
In her career, Wie has earned millions on the LPGA Tour with 20 top-10 finishes in 66 appearances, including six runner-ups and six third place finishes. She has made even more in endorsements and appearances all over the world.
Dennis Rose Inducted into Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame at Ho'olaule'a Awards Ceremony Jan. 15th.
During a 32-year career as a PGA professional, Dennis Rose gave unselfishly of his time and talent for the good of golf.
Born in Hilo, Hawaii, Rose turned professional in 1975 and went on to become Director of Golf at the Big Island's prestigious Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resorts.
For more than 20 years, he was a member of the Aloha Section PGA Board of Directors, serving in virtually every capacity, including four years as president. He was later elected to the National PGA Board of Directors, representing the Aloha, Northern California and Southern California sections.
In 1985 and again in 1993, the Aloha Section honored Rose as its Golf Professional of the Year. He was also a two-time winner of the Section's Bill Strausbaugh Award, which recognizes a PGA professional for mentoring his fellow PGA members and having a significant impact on their careers.
A driving force in Hawaii golf, Rose helped start the Taylor Made Intercollegiate in 1990 at Waikoloa, an event that brought future stars like Tiger Woods, Notah Begay and Matt Kuchar to the Islands. That same year, he resurrected the Big Island Amateur Championship, and in 1991 he started the Waikoloa Junior Golf Program. In 1998, he served as president of the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association.
In the wider community, Rose promoted golf as chairman of the Big Island Visitors Bureau, as a board member of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau, and as a member of the golf advisory committee of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.
It was often said of Dennis Rose that he was a model professional. He served the PGA and he served golf, giving back to the game in so many ways. He passed away of cancer in 2007 at the age of 59.
PGA Pro Parker McLachlin and Waikoloa Beach Resort Partner to support Hawaii State Junior Golf Association with Second “Birdies for Juniors” Program
For the second consecutive season, Parker McLachlin and Waikoloa Beach Resort will spearhead the “Birdies for Juniors” campaign to support the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. McLachlin will donate $50 for each birdie he makes during his five starts on the “West Coast Swing.” Waikoloa Beach Resort, one of McLachlin's longtime sponsors, will match his pledge.
“I'm forever grateful to the HSJGA for providing me the opportunities as a junior player to test my skills and further my growth in the game of golf” said McLachlin. "I'm very excited to spearhead a fundraising campaign that is interactive, fun and focuses on raising awareness and ultimately funds for the kids. I'm lucky to have Waikoloa Beach Resort, my resort home away from home, join me in this program and match my pledge; we look forward to more of you participating as well!”
The campaign will kick off on Thursday, January 14 where McLachlin will tee off at the Sony Open in Hawaii. His west coast schedule will continue with the Century Club of San Diego Invitational (La Jolla, CA), Northern Trust Open (Pacific Palisades, CA) and AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (Pebble Beach, CA) before concluding at the FBR Open in Scottsdale, AZ on February 28.
Fans and organizations are encouraged to join McLachlin and Waikoloa Beach Resort in supporting the HSJGA and may visit www.HSJGA.org to pledge donations for each birdie McLachlin makes during this time period. Those wishing to join may pledge any monetary amount.
“We are very proud to join Parker in supporting the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association,” stated Scott Head, Vice President of Resort Operations at Waikoloa Beach Resort. “Parker's desire to undertake this meaningful initiative is indicative of his generous nature and resolve to support the next generation of Hawaii's young people through the great game of golf. We share in his commitment.”
Follow Parker throughout the year on his website at www.ParkerMcLachlin.com, as well as on his Twitter page at www.twitter.com/ParkerMcLachlin. You can also read some of Parker's blog throughout the season on www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com and track the number of birdies made during the West Coast Swing at Waikoloagolf.com.
For additional information, please contact the HSJGA's Director of Marketing and Communications Lauren Yama at (808) 532-0559.
AMATEURS CAPTURE THEIR THIRD STRAIGHT VICTORY OVER THE PROFESSIONALS AT THE GOVERNOR'S CUP CHALLENGE
The Amateur team retains the Governor's Cup after the close of play beating the Professional team by two points - 13 to 11. Going into the final round singles matches, it was all square. It proved to be another great match and a tremendous battle between Hawaii's best professional and amateur golfers with the championship coming down to the final matches of the day. __
The Professional team was stacked with top professionals such as Past Section Player of the Year Ron Castillo Jr. and John Lynch, and Senior Player of the Year Lance Taketa. All of the top Amateurs played including point leader Ryan Perez who won the Army Invitational, Lorens Chan who won the OCC Invitational and State Stroke Play Championship, and T.J. Kua who won the Manoa Cup and Barbers Point Invitational. __
This is the Amateur team's thirteenth and third consecutive win over the Professional team. The Amateurs have only won against the Professionals 12 other times with one tie back in 1983 during its 37-year history.
The 2009 Governor John A. Burns Golf Challenge Cup was held at Mid-Pacific Country Club, November 23-24, 2009. The Governor's Cup is Hawaii's version of the Ryder Cup, contested between the top twelve professionals and amateurs in the State. Teams are selected on the basis of outstanding performances in designated tournaments throughout the year. The first day's format included two 18-hole team matches, a Four Ball Match (Best Ball) and a Foursome Match (Scotch). Individual matches made up the final day's format. __
This event honors the memory of the late Governor of Hawaii, John A. Burns, who was a strong leader and supporter of golf. Gov. Burns was inducted into the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame during its inaugural year in 1988 for his efforts in bringing the prestigious Canada Cup (World Cup) Matches and the Hawaiian Open here to Hawaii.
Turtle Bay Resort offers Furlough Friday Junior Golf Tournament Series
Turtle Bay Resort will be offering a Junior Golf Tournament Series during Furlough Fridays from January 15 through May 14th.
Beginning January 15th, on select Fridays, junior golfers will be able to compete on the resort's George Fazio Course in a fun safe tournament format. Cost for each tournament is $45 and $25 for Turtle Bay Junior Golf Members. Entry includes green fees, practice balls, tee gift, and lunch afterwards. Tee times begin at 9am with the older division playing 18-holes and the younger division playing 9-holes
“We wanted to offer an opportunity for juniors to be outside on the days school is out and give them access to great golf and tournament play,” says Turtle Bay's PGA Director of Golf Matthew Hall.
For more information about the Tournament series and to register please visit www.TurtleBayGolf.com or call 808.293.8574.
Attention Advertisers!
Don't miss out on your opportunity to target your ad message directly to Hawaii's visiting and local golfers with the new Spring/Summer 2010 Edition of the Hawaii Golf Guide. For advertising information, please contact Pro Graphics Pacific at 808-293-7077.
On Jan. 22nd, the Aloha Section PGA announced that executive director Jim Haugh had resigned. President Matt Hall and the board of directors stated that they appreciated Jim's service and wish him the best in his future endeavors. A selection committee will immediately begin searching for a replacement.
Moanalua High alum Tadd Fujikawa, 19, recently announced that he would be moving to Sea Island, Georgia to work with Todd Anderson and a stable of coaches who work with Zach Johnson and Jonathan Byrd, among others. Fujikawa has also signed up for the eGolf Professional Tour (formerly the Tar Heel Tour), which features an 18-event schedule from February to October.
The 2009 Bridgestone Golf Pro-Scratch Championship at Pearl Country Club was held on November 2-3, 2009. Bridgestone Golf representative Del-Marc Fujita created this event in 2001 and this is the ninth year he has sponsored and produced this event.
__Travis Toyama and amateur partner Wade Nakamura shot a final round best ball of two format score of 6-under par 32-34-66 for a tournament total 16-under par 128. Toyama won the event last year as the amateur counterpart, and this year wins as a professional partner of the winning team. Tied for second place one shot back at 129 were Andrew Feldmann / Brandan Kop (61-68) and Dave Eichelberger / EJ McNaughton (62-67).
Tony Finau, a 17-year-old pro from Salt Lake City, who is sponsored by the Turtle Bay Resort, came in second place on the Golf Channel's “Big Break” Disney golf television show. Joined by his younger brother Gipper (who came in fourth) and 10 others, they all competed for an exemption to play in the 2010 PGA Tour Children's Miracle Network Classic. Mike Perez won the spot.
Sony Continues Sponsorship of Event Through 2011
Sony recently announced that their sponsorship of the Sony Open in Hawaii will continue through 2011. Talks are underway that could lead to a long-term sponsorship arrangement with the PGA Tour. This year's field was the strongest since Sony signed a five-year deal back in 1998.
Keiley and Kelly Win Pro-Junior Skills Challenge
Baldwin High senior Justin Keiley team with Tour pro Jerry Kelly to run away from the field in winning the King Auto Group Pro-Junior Skills Challenge during Sony Open week. The annual event, held on the 18th green before about 300 spectators, benefits the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. Jerry Kelly won $6,000 for his winning effort, while the other pros earned $1,000 each. As had been previously done, all the professionals generously donated their winnings to the HSJGA.
Kua Qualifies for Sony
On Dec. 21st, 19-year-old TJ Kua, a Kamehameha Schools graduate and nephew of Hawaii Golf Hall of Famer David Ishii, fired a 5-under-par 67 at Waialae Country Club to claim the lone amateur spot available to compete in the 2010 Sony Open in Hawaii. Kua, the reigning Manoa Cup champion, defeated 11 of Hawaii's best amateurs in a special qualifying tournament.
On Nov. 30 - Dec. 1st, the 2009 Aloha Section PGA E-Z-GO/Golf Concepts Facility Team Championship was held at the Hualalai Golf Club on the Big Island of Hawaii.
All three Hilo Muni teams led by team captain Kevin Hayashi placed in the top four of the tournament. Kevin Hayashi / Lance Taketa (31-33) captured the title with a two-day total 15-under-par 129 by three shots. There were three teams tied for second place at 12-under-par 132: Eric Dugas / Shaun Steile of Kukio (30-37), Kevin Hayashi / Rodney Acia (29-36) and Kevin Hayashi / Lee Hardy (30-34).
The Competition is a 36-hole four-ball stroke play event. Twenty-seven (27) teams, which included forty-one (41) island professionals, played for an $11,350 purse. The first round was played on the Hualalai Course which plays to 7,117 yards, par 72 and the second round was played on the Ke'olu Course which plays to 7,234, par 72.
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