Hawaii Golf News and Travel - March - May 2017

P. 2- Hawaii Golf News and Travel

Lee To Defend At LOTTE

LOTTE Championship Set For April 9-15 LOTTE Championship schedule of events this year will take place April 9-15 at KoOlina Golf Club on O’ahu. There is free admission Apr. 9-11, with a qualifying tournament (8 a.m.) and Sunday pro-am (1 p.m. shotgun start) Apr. 9… Professional practice rounds Apr. 10-11 and a 4:30 p.m. Ladies First Golf Clinic at the KoOlina Practice Range Apr. 10…

Australia’s Minjee Lee came from five shots back the last round of the 2016 LOTTE LPGA Championship, presented by Hershey, to win the tournament by one stroke over Korea’s Chun In-gee and 54-hole leader Katie Burnett of the U.S.. The 19year-old Lee played her last eight holes in six-underpar, including a chip-in eagle-three on the par-five The first two tournament rounds will be Apr. number 13 to register an eight-under-par 64 the last day.

12 and 13, with 7 a.m. first tee times, and a cut after 36 holes. The last two rounds April 14 and 15 will Lee, who registered her first LPGA win at have 8 a.m. first tee times, with an awards ceremony the 2015 Kingsmill Championship, said: “This (The (Approximately 4:45 p.m. immediately following LOTTE win) is definitely a big confidence booster. completion of play Apr. 15) on the 18th green.

The last couple of weeks I was there, but not quite.

Now my game seems to be coming together, and that’s The Golf Channel will broadcast the tournament quite nice.”

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day, April 12 to 15.

Lee finished with a 16-under-par 68-66-74-64 LOTTE Championship Information: --272, while Chun (74-67-65-67) and Burnett (70-6667-70) tied for second with 15-under-par 273 totals Format: Four days, 72-hole stroke play… for the four rounds.

Field: 144 players… Purse: $2 million; $300,000 winner’s check… Defending Champion: Minjee Moriya Jutanugarn, from Thailand, finished Lee… Past Champions: 2015 Sei Young Kim… at 14-under-par 274 for fourth place, Su-Yeon Jang 2014 Michelle Wie… 2013 Suzann Pettersen… 2012 (275) was fifth, and Joanna Klatten (276) claimed Ai Miyazato… the sixth spot on the final scoreboard. Three players Admission tickets to the LOTTE – Megan Khang, Mo Martin and defending champion Championship will be sold at Main Gate during Sei Young Kim – tied for seventh place with 11-underTournament Week: Daily Admission: $10… Season par 277 totals.

Ticket: $25 (Week-long admission)…

Three players from Hawaii were in the field in Free admission is offered for spectators 2016 – Michelle Wie, Stephanie Kono and junior Sunday-Tuesday, April 9-11. Children 16 and golfer (Punahou senior) Allisen Corpuz. Only Kono under admitted free when accompanied by a paid made the cut, shooting a four-under-par 72-71-76- adult. Active duty and retired military service 65—284, earning $11,465. Winner Minjee Lee earned members are admitted free with an official military $270,000 ID.

LOTTE Agreement, More...

In 2012, the LPGA signed an agreement with LOTTE a respected industrial conglomerate in Korea and Japan, as title sponsor, marking the return of the LPGA to Hawaii! J Golf, the LPGA’s television rights holder in Korea, was the presenting sponsor with Hershey signing on as the new presenting sponsor in 2015. The four-day tournament is a 72-hole stroke play on Wednesday – Saturday, April 12-15, 2017.

The tournament is televised on the Golf Channel and its affiliates reaching 610 million households in 79 countries and showcasing to the world 144 of the finest female golfers against the breathtaking backdrop of Hawaii.

Attendance Guidelines - The LPGA Tour has established the following guidelines regarding photos and autographs : No photos or autographs are permitted once a player begins a competitive round, Wednesday to Saturday. A player may agree to sign autographs prior to or at the conclusion of her round.

On-Site Restrictions: While preparing to attend the LOTTE Championship, please observe the following restrictions: No radios, televisions, or other electronic noise-producing items… No whistles, horns, or noisemakers… No signs or banners… No knives, firearms or weapons of any nature… No fireworks… No alcoholic beverages may enter or leave the tournament… No illegal substances… No coolers of any kind… No bicycles… No pets except for service animals… No video cameras at any time…

Cellular phones and mobile devices are permitted but must be placed on silent at all times… All bags, backpacks, packages and other carry items are subject to search… Please report any unattended bags to the nearest marshal or security officer.

First Aid… The First Aid station is located in the Volunteer Compound. In the event of an accident or injury, please contact a volunteer marshal or proceed to the First Aid station and explain the nature of the injury or illness.

KoOlina Directions - Ko Olina Golf Club is located in Kapolei on the west side of Oahu, approximately 27 miles from Honolulu and 20 miles from Honolulu International Airport.

From Honolulu International Airport: Take the H-1 Freeway, heading west toward Waianae for 17 miles…. Take the Ko Olina exit… Enter the Ko Olina Resort and Marina property, drive through the security gate… Ko Olina Golf Club will be on your left. See below for spectator parking.

From Waikiki: Take the H201 Freeway, heading west… Exit H1 West toward Honolulu International Airport… Continue on H1 West toward Waianae for 15 miles… Take the Ko Olina exit…

Enter the Ko Olina Resort and Marina property, drive through the security gate…Ko Olina Golf Club will be on your left. See below for spectator parking along Ai’inui Drive.

Spectator Parking… Spectator parking is located at Ko Olina along Ali’inui Drive and free shuttle service is provided between parking and the golf course.

LOTTE Championship Charities

Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.’s mission is to activate financial resources from the private sector and spirited volunteerism from the community to produce sports and cultural events to generate funds for Hawaii’s not-for-profits benefiting its women, children, youth, and needy. As a Hawaii not-for-profit organization, Friends of Hawaii Charities, with charity partner The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation’s Inc. support, has distributed more than $16 million in grants to over 350 Hawaii charities.

Ko Olina Charities is a 501 (c) (3) organization created by Ko Olina as part of its efforts to expand community participation and outreach to West Oahu residents. Ko Olina Charities’ goal is to provide resources, donations and opportunities for charitable and educational programs in the surrounding communities.

Lydia Ko could be one of the LPGA players contending for the LOTTE LPGA Championship, presented

by Hershey crown this year. She has been struggling with her game since late 2016, but should break out of it at LOTTE Championship. (File Photo)

Building People Using Biblical Principles...

God Is Good, Indeed

by Dr. Randy Kennedy As I begin my eleventh year as chaplain for the Sunbelt Senior Tour, my heart is filled with all I have seen and been able to participate in over the years. To say that God is good is an understatement. What I have learned and experienced is something that most will never be involved in.

Sports ministry is a unique and often times unorthodox. Meeting in a church and doing churchy things is the norm for so many, but Marketplace (sports) ministry takes on a whole new dimension.

There is nothing regular about where you meet, when you meet or how many might show up. One thing is for sure: if you’re not able to be flexible, then do not attempt it. The beauty you find is seeing how God can do His Work ANYWHERE and ANYTIME. Meeting in buildings is never wrong, but in sports ministry, a building might not be available. You might find yourself meeting with God in hallways, on putting greens, bedrooms, outside, homes, campers, just to name a few.

Sharing God’s Word is always the highlight in ministry whether in the pulpit, on a

basketball court, football arena and even on the golf course. I am so thankful that God has not limited Himself to certain confined areas. When He said ‘they would worship me in Spirit’, He knew someday we would take Him outside the Temple and Church walls and begin ministering to people where they are.

Don and Yvonne Barnes have allowed Lisa and me to do just that for all these years.

Their support and constant encouragement have been the backbone to the successes we have had.

Baptisms, wedding ceremonies, hospital visits, counseling sessions, and yes, even funerals have been just some of the ways God has used this ministry. Golf and God really do go hand in hand.

I covet your prayers for our 2017 season that God will once again let us help meet the needs of so many on and off the golf course.

Our life and ministry has been enriched over the years and my prayer is that this year will be no different. God bless!!!!

Dr. Randy Kennedy drk@randykennedy.org

Hawaii Golf News and Travel p. 3

Rules of Golf

There Now Is No Penalty If Ball Moved Accidentally !!

by James McAfee

current rules when a player accidentally causes a ball to move on the putting green.”

Common sense has prevailed. The USGA and the R&A have changed one of golf’s most unjust rules that penalizes players who accidentally move their balls on the green like Dustin Johnson did at the 2016 U.S. Open.

Pagel also indicated he could envision a time when this local rule becomes a permanent one—such as when the next revisions to the Rules of Golf go into effect in 2020—but “I’m not going to guarantee anything,” he added.

Effective Jan. 1, 2017 there is a new local rule at all USGA and R&A competitions saying that if you, your caddie, your partner or your equipment accidently move a ball or marker, there is no penalty and the ball should be replaced.

“This change is a good example of the type of rules modernization changes we hope to implement after completing our fundamental review of all of the rules. We are looking for ways to improve the rules by making them easier to understand and apply.”

Courses and tournament committees may David Rickman, executive director of Goverance use this local rule, too. It applies to your opponent or with the R&A, agreed that the old rule needed to be opponents in match play, the other side’s caddies and changed and that it was important to act now, through equipment. a local rule, rather than wait for the next overall set of revisions to the rules.

The new rule has been welcomed by all of the major tours worldwide, and the PGA Tour, If a committee wishes to introduce this local European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America and the rule, the following wording is recommended: “Rules Masters Tournament are among the golf organizations 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows: that will implement the local rule for all future events, beginning in 2017.

“When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker “We’re golfers, too, and when we saw players is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his penalized for minor movement of a ball on the putting opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. green, it didn’t sit well with us,” said Thomas Pagel, The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as senior director of the Rules of Golf and amateur status provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.” for the USGA. This local rule applies only when the player’s “Eliminating this penalty responds to the ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any concerns we have heard from both golfers and movement is accidental. committees about the difficulties in applying the

Army Museum Tournament

Coral Creek Pueo Card Membership

The 36th Annual Hawaii Army Museum Major Golfers can now buy an annual Kama’aina General Herbert E. Wolff Memorial Golf Tournament membership at Coral Creek Golf Course on O’ahu. will be held June 16 at Leilehua Golf Course on O’ahu, with registration starting at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start Individuals pay $150 and families pay $250 for a “Pueo Club” card, a super offer of discounts on green fees, at 12-noon. merchandise and the restaurant. Each membership Entry fee is $150 per player with a format of card is good for 365 days from the date you buy it. two-person bestball with teams in three flights (A, B, The individual card includes one round of golf and the and C) with 30 the maximum handicap for men and family card includes two rounds.

36 for women. Entry fee includes tournament cart and green fees, lunch and dinner, on-course refreshments, The Pueo Card allows a cardholder to earn a free a tournament gift and goodie bag, use of the driving weekday round of golf after paying for 10 rounds… It range before the tournament, chances at a hole-in-one lets the member and dependents walk after 3:30 p.m. prize and door prize, tournament prizes and awards for (Adults - $15… Junior dependents 18-and-younger longest drive and closest-to-the-pin. $5)… Early tee times at twilight and super twilight…

Deadline for entering is June 12… for an entry Special $80 non-resident rate for members’ guests form or added information, call Vicki Olson at 941- when they play with the member… Pre-pay monthly 3900, or e-mail her at hams1execdir@hawaiiantel.net or annual golf packages available… Large range

Rules And Course Rating Corner

By Gary Haynie, HSGA Head Rules Official This issue of the Rules Corner we’re going to look at a couple of rules that don’t get discussed much - Rules 21 and 22.

Rule 21 is Cleaning the Ball. You can clean

James McAfee

your ball any time you can legally lift it with three exceptions: a. To determine if it is fit to play (checking for damage to the ball), b. To Identify it, or c. If it is assisting or interfering with play.

In the first two incidences, you can clean only to the extent necessary to determine if the ball is fit to play or if it is yours. Under the third option, you cannot clean it at all, although you can re-orient the ball (for example, if there is mud on the ball in the hitting area, you can rotate the ball so the ball is not going to be struck on the mud). You cannot “tee up” the ball on the mud, however. Penalty for breach of Rule 21 is one stroke.

Rule 22 is for a Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play.

EXCEPT when a ball is in motion, if a player (any player) considers that a ball might assist any other player, he may: Lift the ball if it is his ball; or have any other ball lifted.

A ball lifted under this rule must be replaced. The ball must not be cleaned (see above), unless it is on the putting green. If your ball is not on the putting green, you cannot lift it because you think it might interfere with another’s play - you must wait to be asked to lift your ball.

In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball under this rule may opt to play his ball first rather than lift it.

If you think another ball may interfere with your play, you can have that ball lifted.

Here is an example. Player A’s ball is on the line of player B, can Player B have Player A’s ball lifted? Yes, even if it is 30 yards away - in this case “mental interference” is grounds for lifting the ball. If there is no reasonable chance the ball can interfere, then it should not be lifted.

Penalty for breach of Rule 22 is loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play.

(Taken from the HSGA Newsletter, - editor)

basket of balls just $5 for members…

Special replay and junior dependent rates… $5 off lowest applicable green fee… Up to 25% off non-sale items in the pro shop… 10% off dine-in food and beverage purchases… A monthly Pueo Card Newsletter e-mailed to each member… and much more.

To learn more about the benefits of a Pueo Card membership, call the pro shop at (808)441-4653, or visit their website at coralcreekgolfhawaii.com.

Modernizing The Rules (​ Courtesy of the USGA) The United States Golf Association will announce the biggest restructuring of the rules in March.

“It doesn’t fundamentally change how you think golf is played,” said Mike Davis, USGA executive director/CEO. “What it does do is fundamentally change the understanding of the rules, why they are the way they are, and how they’ll be communicated.”

That includes a reorganization expected to blow up the current 34-rule structure.

“Every aspect of the rules, from the content to how they’re delivered, to how they’re written, to what they look like in writing, is all going to be different,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director of rules, competitions and equipment standards.

A six-month comment period will follow the initial roll out. From there, the governing bodies will finalize language that will be revealed in late 2017 or early 2018, with the new code going into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Beyond trying to make the rules more understandable, the modernization project has focused on using visuals and technology to articulate them in a more impactful way.

“How come we can’t have an instance where someone can [take their phone and] say, ‘Siri, I hit my ball into a water hazard. What are my options?’ ” Come 2019, we might be able to. (McAfee)

Hawaii Golf News and Travel - P. 5

Aloha Section (PGA) Assistants Four-Ball

The 2017 Aloha Section (PGA) Assistants Four-Ball Invitational will be held at Honolulu Country Club March 21-22. Defending is the team of Kevin Shimomura and Todd Rego, who shot a bestball score of 16-under-par 60-66— 126 to win last year. Second place in 2016 was the team of John Hearn and Hunter Larson, who carded a 14-under-par 62-66—128, two strokes out of first, and the team of Joey Castillo and Jeff Ferry claimed third place with a nine-underpar 66-67—133.

These four-Ball competitions can go any way – it depends on who is hot both days and how well the team “ham-and-eggs” it. The top-3 from last year appear to have an edge this March.

Hawaii Golf wishes Garrett Toma and his partner best of luck in this year’s Invitational.

Team Championship The 2017 Big Island Candies Scotch FourBall Golf Championship will be contested on the Club at Hokuli’a on the Big Island May 1-2. Defending champions are the team of Juan Rodriguez and Kris Kitt, who shot a bestball score of 14-under-par 6565—130 to win this event in 2016.

Three teams tied for second place at 13-under 131 last year – Reece Alnas/Paul Hagen, Jr. (63-66)…

Kevin Hayashi/Henry Park (67-64)… and Garrett Okamura/ Lance Taketa (65-66).

A team with Kevin Hayashi or one with Garrett Okamura should win this year—Naaah; no way to tell, as many factors affect bestball scores. One fact is firm: The 2017 winning team will split $1,500.

Mid-Pac Open Championship Scheduled For April 20-23

The 2017 Mid-Pac Open will be contested over the Mid-Pacific Country Club April 20-23, with a cut after the first 36 holes. Defending champion is Parker McLachlin, who shot 11-under-par 71-65-73-68—277 to win the 2016 Mid-Pac Open by seven strokes over Nick Mason, who carded a 4-under-par 68-74-7072—284 to finish in second place. Dean Wilson was two back of Mason, with a 2-under 73-68-69-76—286, good for third place last year.

Rounding out the low-seven finishers were: Alex Ching (289), TJ Kua (291), Carl Jonson (293) and two players tied at 294 (-7), Ryan Acosta and Cory Oride.

Looking at this year’s Open, McLachlin may or may not be back to defend, as he may be exempt on the 2017 Web.Com Tour. Mason and Wilson always play well at Mid-Pac CC, as do Kevin Hayashi (T-9), John Hearn and David Fink (T-13).

There are plenty of past champions in the field, as many of them now just play in the senior division, where the winner is the low score the first two rounds.

Lance Suzuki has won this tournament eight times!

Bradley Shigezawa won this tournament a few years ago.

Other potential contenders in the 2017 Open might be Jared Sawada… Kevin Carll… Nainoa Calip… TJ Kua and the others in the top-7 list.

McLachlin earned $14,000 for his win last year and Mason pocketed $9,000, while Wilson made $7,000. This year’s purse should match those payouts…

For information on the tournament, call the Aloha Section office e at (808)593-2230.

Parker McLachlin reacts to a missed putt during the 2016 Mid-Pac Open. McLachlin is the defending champion for this year’s Mid-Pac Open.

Pro-Pro Championship Returns To Royal Ka’anapali

The 2017 Pro/Pro Golf Championship will be held at Ka’anapali Golf Resort Royal Course June 17-18. Defending champions are the team of Alex Chiarella and Alex Omer, who carded a bestball score of 15-under-par 66-61--127 to win by five strokes over the team of Kevin Carll and Kevin Hayashi last year on the Royal Course. The Kevins turned in a score of 10-under-par 63-69—132, one better than the nineunder-par 69-64-133 posted by the team of John Hearn and Ryan Acosta.

The Chiarella/Omer team won $1,500… the Carll/Hayashi team pocketed $1,000.

Looking at this year’s competition, the top-4 teams from last year were the only duos to break 65 on one round (There were three teams tied for fourthplace… the David Braxton/ Kyle Hayashi team had The Aloha Section (PGA), BMW and Turtle Bay Golf Resort on O’ahu, will hold The BMW Golf Championship at Turtle Bay Golf Course April 28-30. Those interested in getting more details may call the Aloha Section (PGA) at (808)593-2230.

TJ Kua shot seven-under-par 69-68--137 at Mauna Lani on the Big Island to win the Mauna Lani Hawaii State Open in December. (File Photo)

a 63 on their second round…), so those four would be the most likely teams to come out on top in 2017.

“The Kevins” have the best record of all those teams, as they also won the 2015 Pro/Pro Championship.

Woods Switches Golf Balls Bridgestone Golf, a leading manufacturer of premium golf balls, clubs and accessories – announced in late-2016 that it has signed Tiger Woods to a multi-year agreement to exclusively play and promote its high-performance golf balls.

Woods, whose decorated career includes a record run of 683 weeks as the top-ranked golfer in the world, selected the Bridgestone Tour B330-S ball after thoroughly testing it against competing models from all major brands. Through his personal research, Woods determined the Bridgestone ball provided superior distance and accuracy off the tee for him, as well as optimal spin on shots into and around the green.

As part of the partnership, Woods will be featured in digital, social, print and broadcast marketing globally as a Bridgestone Golf ambassador. The winner of 14 major championships and 79 PGA Tour events is also excited to support the popular Bridgestone ballfitting program, which he believes can stimulate a new generation of golfers and increase enjoyment for all players. (Bridgestone News Release)

Kua Takes Weather-Shortened Open

The 2016 Mauna Lani Hawaii State Open finished on a sour note last December, as the usually fair-weathered Mauna Lani Resort on The Big Island created havoc with all sorts of rain that delayed the Friday start, then caused tournament officials to cancel the third round due to unsafe conditions and unplayable golf courses.

TJ Kua shot seven-under-par 69-68—137 the first two days to be declared the winner of the $10,000 first-place check. David Fink, who always seems to be around to challenge Kua – first at the Manoa Cup in 2010 and now in the State Open, took second place with a six-under-par 70-68—138.

Defending champion Nick Mason, Samuel Cyr (2011 champion), Tadd Fujikawa (2010 champion) and Cory Oride tied for third place with 140 totals for the two rounds. Dean Wilson, PGA, who won this tournament three times ( 2007, 2012 and 2014), tied with Alex Ching, Mark Purrington and Robby Ormand (from Buda, TX), with 142 totals for the 36 holes.

Andrew Chin (72-72—144) took low-amateur honors, one stroke ahead of Brent Grant (73-72—145)… Tom Sovay, PGA, shot 69-68—137 to claim the Senior Open crown, six strokes ahead of Bill Breen, PGA, from Nashville, TN (69-74—143). Kauai’s Jonathan Ota took low-amateur in the senior division, with a 148 total (He was overall low amateur in the 1996 and 1998 state opens…).

Nicole Sakamoto, who plays on the LPGA developmental Symetra Tour, took the women’s division with a two-under-par 71-71—142, while defending champion Britney Yada, who has qualified to play on the LPGA Tour in 2017, shot 73-72—145 to claim second place. Brittany Fan (148) was low-amateur winner.

David Budway shot 79-80—159 to take first place in men’s A Flight.

Contract #C-25822 www.americanachawaii.com e-mail: info@americanachawaii.com

Call:

847-0851

Hawaii Golf Notes

P. 4- Hawaii Golf News and Travel

by Norm Guenther

American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Past President Alice O’Neal Dye, ASGCA Fellow, has been chosen as the 2017 recipient of the Donald Ross Award. This award, given annually since 1976, is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture. It will be presented to Dye in May at the 2017 ASGCA Annual Meeting in Jupiter, Florida.

Korean Firm Buys Courses - I had wondered about this, and then there appeared an article on it, so I feel I should pass it on, just in case you missed it. In an article about the firm getting the lease for Ko’olau Golf, the most difficult course (or one of the most difficult) in the U.S., the article elaborated on other courses and hotels the company controls.

The company is South Korea’s YHB Hospitality Group which most recently took over the lease for Koolau Golf Course on O’ahu...It has the lease on Royal Hawaiian Golf Club…They own Mililani Golf Club, Hawaii Kai Golf Courses, and Ewa Beach Golf Club…

They also own hotels and golf courses in California, South Korea and Japan, accrding to the article in the Honolulu Advertiser… I’ve been wondering what Pacific Links Hawaii planned to do with the courses they bought earlier... now we know where some have gone... I was hoping they would bring back the Champions Tour event, but then, I understand they sold Kapolei Golf Course, site of their tournament, so the only chance left now for that tournament to happen is construction of a golf course and hotel at Makaha.

I suspect we can forget about holding our collective breaths, waiting for that to happen...

the company’s preferred partner for golf club shipping.

Since Kapalua Golf Club on Maui and Princeville Makai are managed by Troon, Ship Sticks should have reasonable rates for golfers from Hawaii when they travel to the Mainland... don’t you think?? (Note to self: e-mail Kris Strauss about Ship Sticks/ Troon relations... for next issue!)

In the current Hawaii State Golf Association (HSGA) Newsletter (March 2017/ Issue 66) Executive Director Paul Ogawa thanks the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA ) for hosting a special National Rules of Golf Workshop in Hawaii at the Hyatt Waikiki February 6-9. Ogawa points out that Ted Antanapoulos, PGA of Mayacama Golf Club hosted the seminar while Mark Reinemann of the USGA Executive Committee and Tom Carpus, PGA Head Professional of Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, presented. Ogawa added that together those three have officiated in 50+ major golf championships for the USGA, PGA of America & even The Masters. If I’m not mistaken, this quality of a workshop comes around only a few times, so all golfers in Hawaii should take advantage. I know I did not attend and I should have... anyone else want to confess?? Be sure to catch the next one!! (That’s a note to everyone...)

I need to fill one last void before closing this issue and get it to Maui News so Willy can work his magic and turn this sow’s ear into a princess (????) At any rate, I want to remind all the ladies reading this column that the Women’s Army Golf Invitational will be at Leilehua March 28-29, and defending champion

HSJGA Mar-May Schedule

HSJGA Tournament Schedule for March through May, 2017 is: Mar. 4-5 – 14-and-under JTSMaui; Kahili GC… Mar. 11 – Hawaii Junior Golf Day; 12 courses… Mar. 25-26 – 14-and under JTS- O’ahu; Olomana GL… Apr. 1-2 – 14-and-under – Big Island; Mauna Lani Resort… Apr. 22-23 – 14-and-under JTS – Kauai; Puakea GC… May 1-2 – Girls State Championship; Ka’anapali Resort, Maui… May 4-5 – Boys State Championship; Ka’anapali Resort, Maui… May 13 – U.S. Open Local Qualifier; King Kamahameha Golf Club, Maui… May Troon,® the leader in golf course management, 15 – U.S. Open Qualifier; Waialae CC, O’ahu; May 28 development, and marketing, has selected Ship Sticks, – U.S. Womens Open – sectional qualifier; Poipui Bay the world’s premiere golf club shipping provider, as GC,Kauai…

Hawaii Golf News and Travel

Hawaii Golf News and Travel is published by Conorm Associates and is the unofficial journal of golf associations in Hawaii, including the Hawaii State Golf Association (HSGA), Hawaii State Women’s Golf Association (HSWGA), Hawaii State Junior Golf Association (HSJGA), The Aloha Section (PGA), and others... All golf associations in Hawaii are encouraged to provide information and news releases on golf events, personalities and plans. e-mail: golfingguenther@gmail.com

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is Jeannine Pak, who was also the HSWGA 2016 Player of the Year (She won this tournament the last two years...).

Some reminders on certain things you should enjoy this quarter (March-to-May): If you haven’t tried it, volunteer to work at the LOTTE LPGA Championship at KoOlina... Enter the Shootout and Pro-Am (Whether you are a pro or an amateur... the junior golfers need your support...)... Get out and exercise (Where’s my mirror? I need to be telling myself -- even with my old buddy, Parkinsons, I should get back out there!!)

And good luck to Mark Rolfing and Tiger Woods as they build golf courses together...

Some College Golf Results There were a few college tournaments played in 2016-17 worthy of reporting. In no special order, they are: Texas Tech took the team title at the Amer Ari Invitational Tournament held at Waikoloa Kings’ Course on The Big Island. They shot 44-under-par 820, eight strokes ahead of secondplace USC. Rico Hoey (USC), Jared du Toit (AzSt) and Fredrik Nilehn tied for low-individual with 16-under total for the three rounds… Kyle Suppa (Punahou/USC freshman) shot seven-under for 19th place. Pono Tokioka had the best UH score, 1-under, for T-45…

University of Hawaii – Manoa Women’s golf team finished second in the Battle of the Rock tournament at the Oak Quarry Golf Club, Riverside, CA with a 909 total. Cal Poly won with a total of 903 in the 15-team event.

Northern Arizona’s Sofia Anokhina was low-individual winner with an even-par 216 for the three rounds. Senior Izzy Leong was lowindividual for U .H. with an eight-over-par 224.

Chaminade men’s golf team shot 983 to finish 10th at the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout in Villejo, CA. Cal State East Bay shot 835 to win the tournament. And Owen Hutchison, from East Bay, shot three-under-par 136 to claim lowindividual honors. R. J. Garczynski (23-over 236) was low-individual for Caminade.

University of Virginia men’s golf team went wire-to-wire to win the John A. Burns Intercollegiate Golf Tournament with a 29under-par 835 over the Wailua Municipal Golf Course on Kauai. Texas A&M took second place with an 839 team total, while University of Hawaii- Manoa men’s golf team shot 906 and U.H.- Hilo carded a 925 team total.

Chandler Philips, from Texas A&M, was low-individual with a 201, while Cameron Kaneko (220, T- 47) low-individual on the U.H.Manoa team and Smart Kittirattanapaiboon (219) played as an individual. Jared Kinoshita (220, T47) was low-individual for U.H. – Hilo.

Back Issue Source

For back issues of “Hawaii Golf News and Travel,” from 2015 to last quarter (2017), go to: https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/jun_-_aug_15 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/sep-nov_15 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/december-feb-2016hgnt https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/mar_to_may_16 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/june_to_aug16 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/sep_to_nov._16 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/dec_16_to_feb_17

U.S. Kids Golf and Island PacificGolf Association have moved to Kapolei Golf Course on O’ahu... Call them at (808)393-3873 or e-mail them at oliver @Islandpacificgolfassociation. com.

Sign-u p Time At Hawaii State Junior Golf The Hawaii State Junior Golf Association’s (HSJGA) 2017 membership registration is open, welcoming new and returning members.

Please visit www.HSJGA.org to apply or renew membership.

HSJGA membership is open to male and female junior golfers who meet the following qualifications: · Are between the ages of 7-18 by July 14, 2017;Have not reached their 19th birthday and have not entered college; Who demonstrate a basic understanding of the game Annual membership is from Feb 1 – Dec 31. The annual membership fee is $35.00. This fee includes a Membership Handbook, one year USGA Junior Membership, college workshops, instructional clinics, rules workshops, USGA Rules of Golf book, bag tag (one, when joining the HSJGA), GHIN Handicap (donated by the Hawaii State Golf Association and

Lamkin Grips Offer

Lamkin Corporation – the original manufacturer of premium golf grips – is now offering Special Edition versions of its popular Z5 and SINK models that celebrate the season’s first Major Championship, available for a limited time through www.LamkinGrips.com.

The Z5 Majors Edition ($7.99) is comprised of traditional green and white rubber with bright yellow paint trim and cord in the upper zones. All Z5 grips are designed with five distinctive zones, scientifically engineered to promote proper hand placement and the ideal grip pressure with every swing. Its multicompound foundation is combined with a functional network of textures and patterns to deliver enhanced comfort, control and consistency for unmatched performance. Available in Standard and Midsize.

On the green, SINK grips (starting at $12.99) promote proper wrist alignment with curved-handle profiles in either a square or rounded shape to steady the hands for a smooth putting stroke. The Special Edition version includes traditional green with yellow and white accents and is available in both 11 and 13-inch options.

“The first major of the year is not only an iconic tournament, but it also signifies the beginning of the golf season in many parts of the world and we wanted to commemorate it in a fun way,” said Bob Lamkin, President and CEO of Lamkin. “The Z5 is the most advanced grip we’ve ever created and has been tremendously well received, so we’re thanking our customers by building a limited version to go along with the sought-after SINK.”

Lamkin has been an industry leader for more than 90 years and offers a variety of grips which include the new Z5, Wrap-Tech, and UTx Wrap along with trusted classics like the Crossline and Crossline Full-Cord. The company’s famed products are preferred by PGA Tour superstars Justin Rose, Brandt Snedeker and Miguel Angel Jimenez and many others.

Lamkin products are unrivaled in quality thanks to world-class engineering, premium materials and handcrafted, repeatable production techniques. Other Lamkin offerings include SINK putter grips, the popular R.E.L ACE 3-Gen, and Tour Van options crafted according to Tour player specifications.

USGA) and participation in the activities and programs of the HSJGA. HSJGA Alumni are encouraged to keep their GHIN handicap with the HSJGA through college.

Please call Lauren Yama at 808-532-0559 for alumni handicap services.

Michelle Wie TOC Results

The HSJGA Michelle Wie 2016 Tournament of Champions (TOC) was held at the Wailea Emerald Course on Maui Dec. 3-4. Here are the results: Girls, 15-18 (5 tied for first at 150): Claire Choi (78-72); Allysha Mateo (81-69), Malia Nam (78-72), Kamie Hamada (74-76), and Alanis Sakuma (74-76)… Choi wins with a birdie on their second playoff hole (parfive 9th hole)… Girls, 13-14 – Lana Calibuso-Kwee – 80-75—155; Grace Kyung Lee – 82-74—156…

Girls, 11-12 – Rachael Wang – 74-75—149; Kayli Chrisan Bunyan – 79-75—154… Girls, 7-10 – Raya Nakao – 78-72—150; Sydney Papke – 83-77—160…

Boys, 15-18 – Justin Arcano – 72-65—137; AJ Keoki Teraoka – 77-71—148; Zackary Kaneshiro – 75-74—149; and Justin Ngan – 76-74—150… Boys, 13-14 – Davis Lee – 73-72—145; Kolbe Irei – 8074—154; Isaiah Kanno – 79-75—154… Boys, 11-12 – Joshua Satanaka – 73-71—143; Joshua Hayashida – 79-74—153… Boys, 7-10 - Taiki Marsh – 76-81— 157; Kade Kikuchi – 85-80—165…

There were two holes-in-one recorded on the par-3 eighth hole at the Emerald Course during play of the TOC -- Alanis Sakuma and Joshua Hayashida each Every December Michelle Wie and HSJGA sponsor a Tournament of Champions (TOC) at Wailea made an ace on that hole.

Resort on Maui for those HSJGA juniors who won a tournament earier that year. (File Photo)

Pro-Am Spot Helps HSJGA

Kapalua Golf continued its commitment to giving back to the local community by donating playing spots in the PGA TOUR’s SBS Tournament of Champions Wednesday Pro Am to the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. The spots were then purchased by an HSJGA supporter that resulted in $10,000 raised for the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association.

“We are thrilled to support junior golf in Hawaii,” said Alex Nakajima, general manager, Kapalua Golf and Tennis. “As the host venue for this week’s SBS Tournament of Champions, we received a number of playing spots in the Wednesday Pro Am. Through good fortune, we were able to donate these spots to the Junior Golf Association and in turn, help them raise $10,000.”

“The purpose of the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association is to develop leaders and great kids through golf,” said Matt Rollins, executive director, Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. “A gracious donation like this, is how we’re able to keep junior golf opportunities so affordable throughout Hawaii. There are so many great supporters in the state and we are so grateful to Kapalua Golf and the SBS Tournament of Champions for thinking of our association. These funds will directly benefit junior golfers in Hawaii.”

In totality, the 2016 event at Kapalua raised more than $350,000 for Maui charities. Since the tournament came to Maui in 1999, the event and host organizations have donated a total of more than $5.6 million to Hawaiʻi community charities.

For additional information about the HSJGA or to donate and support junior golf in Hawaii, please visit the HSJGA website at www.hsjga.org or email Lauren Yama, Director of Communications & Special Events at lauren@hsjga.org.

2017 Blue Shamrock Kilted Classic At Pearl The Saint Andrew Society of Hawaii and The Friends of Saint Patrick are hosting the Blue Shamrock Kilted Classic Golf Tournament at Pearl Country Club April 23. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m., with a putting event that starts at 10:30 a.m. and tee times start at 11:30 a.m. with a bagpipe sendoff.

Entry fee is $175 per golfer and includes: Green and car t fees, tournament logo golf hat and cooler bag, gift bag, continental breakfast, box lunch, dinner awards banquet, complimentary beverages and snacks on the course, and whiskey tasting following play of the tournament. EVERYONE WINS A PRIZE!!!

Tournament format is individual scores using the Peoria Scoring System. Prizes will be on your individual score, but you can make up your own foursome, playing with your usual group. Kilts are encouraged (loaner kilts available…)… Golfers wanting to purchase a kilt should go to sportkilt.com and use code

Hawaii Hawaii Golf News and Travel - P. 7

SASH16 to get a 10% discount off your purchase price…

Players should e-mail kiltedclassic@1cloud. com or call Kelly Griffin (372-1941) or call Bill Comerford at (808)223-3997, to register and enjoy the early-morning festivities. Deadline for entering is April 16.

Included in the registration are several contests: Putting contest, A Trip for two golfers and two guests to Scotland for the first hole in one… Whew!! Four closest-to-the-pin contests at the par-three holes, Longest-drive contest, and raffle prizes … If you know anyone else who may be interested in playing in this Kilted Classic, please feel free to forward their contact information to Griffin or Comerford.

Please make check payable to “St. Andrews Society of Hawaii” and mail check and entry form to: St. Andrews Society of Hawaii; c/o Kathy Griffin; 66 Queen St. Apt. 2703; Honolulu, HI 96813…

Junior Golf Day - Mar. 11 The 2017 Hawaii Junior Golf Day will be held at 12 golf courses around the state on Saturday, March 11. Please spread the word about this great opportunity for our Hawaii Keiki sponsored by the Aloha Section PGA and the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. This event is free, fun and educational for new and beginning junior golfers ages 5-18.

Registration is being conducted by the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. Visit www.hsjga.org to sign up as soon as you can and to learn which golf courses will hold Junior Golf Day. The day starts with an 8:30 a.m. registration followed by a FREE kids golf clinic conducted

by PGA/LPGA professionals from 9 – 11 a.m.

Refreshments will be provided along with certificates of completion and a tee prize to take home! Parents will also receive information on how to get your child started in Hawaii’s junior golf through the “Roadmap to Junior Golf”.

Officials announced: “Thank you for your support of this wonderful opportunity for Hawaii’s children. Let’s work together to get our youth involved in a sport for a lifetime!”

Support Junior Golf !!

P. 6 - Hawaii Golf News and Travel

Nabeshima Takes 66th Jennie K. Women’s Invitational

The 67th Jennie K. Wilson Women’s Invitational will be contested on the Mid-Pacific Country Club golf course May 19-21. Defending champion will be It’s seems to be an old, old story… and keeps Kaira Nabeshima, a 16-year-old golfer from Japan, repeating four and five times each year: Bernhard Langer wins another PGA Tour- Champions event (No idea why they changed their name… perhaps they are trying to get the “younger” guys (Those who are 50to-55 years old…) to play a few more tournaments on the PGA Tour if the name reminds them they are also on the “flat-belly” tour as well…

But Langer would probably not play in too many PGA Tour events anyway, as he’s now in his early-60s, and still in great shape. Some TV viewers question the legality of Langer’s putting stroke with the long putter, saying his current stroke looks like his old stroke when it was legal to anchor the putter under your chin or at your waist, depending on what putter you were using…

Officials have looked at it and have deemed it to be legal, so that should end discussion… but he keeps on winning and makes the cut in The Masters… He’s just a great player!

He even gets help from above, as this year’s Mitsubishi Electric Championship was reduced to 36 holes because of extremely-strong winds, so Langer was declared the winner –again – shooting 64-65— 129, one stroke better than Fred Couples (65-65—130) who also regularly makes the cut at Augusta. Kirk Triplett (67-64—131) finished in third place, and four golfers – Olin Browne, Lee Janson, David Toms and defending champion Duffy Waldorf – tied for fourth with 132 totals for the 36 holes.

Langer Wins At Hualala’i

who shot five-over-par 72-74-75—221 last year to win the Invitational by six strokes. Haruka Amamoto, also from Japan, shot 11-over-par 72-75-80—227 to finish in second place, followed by Chloe Wong (7776-77—230), Keila Baladad (74-76-81—231) and two tied at 232 -- Claire Choi (76-84-72) and Allysha Mae Mateo (79-78-75).

Nabeshima, from Kumamoto, Japan, entered the third and final round last year with a one-shot lead, but Amamoto birdied the par-five 5th hole while Nabeshima bogeyed, giving Amamoto a temporary one-shot lead. She lost that lead when she finished the front nine with three bogeys. Nabeshima then smoothly slid home with a solid back nine for the sixshot victory.

In flight play in 2016, Bobbi Kokx took A flight with a 79-76-84—239… Lisa H. Lee claimed B Flight with a steady 81-81-83—245 to win by seven strokes… Another Lisa Lee won C Flight with a 266 total, but she needed to win a sudden-death playoff with Bobbi Femia (266)… Yoshiko Rawson took D Flight in last year’s Invitational with a 93-91-92—276 total… and Jeanette Takahashi won E Flight with a 9995-96—293 total for the three rounds.

Looking at this year’s Invitational, Allisen Corpuz and Mariel Galdiano will probably be away at college, which leaves most of the junior golfers who have come up through the ranks – Allysha Mateo, Malia Nam, Clair Choi, Alanis Sakuma, Kamie Hamada from the junior programs, and Kristen Sawada and Kimberlie Miyamoto who have been successful at Waialae CC Mariel Galdiano won the Jennie K. Wilson Womens’ and O’ahu CC women’s events.

Invitational twice. She may not be able to play this year because of studies at UCLA. (File Photo)

Saka/Ota Team Wins 4-Ball

Your Pro-Am Experience

by Leland Lindsay, Golf Instructor Kaneohe Klipper The team of David Saka and Tyler Ota won

the championship flight of the 10th Annual HSGA Four-Ball at Ted Makalena Municipal Golf Course on O’ahu in late-February. They shot 15-under-par 62-65—127, which tied them with three other teams – Shannon Tanoue/Mark Takahama (63-64), Scott Ichimura/Mike Kawate (62-65) and Kolbe Irei/Davis Lee (62-65). After all the teams parred the first playoff hole the Saka/Ota duo birdied for the win.

This was the first HSGA Four Ball to include a women’s championship, which was won by the team of Alanis Sakuma/Claire Choi with an 8-under 6565—130 score, four shots better than second-place team of Kaylee Akagi/Lorraine Char.

In the other men’s flights, the team of JonMichaelTubai/Rocky Reed won A Flight with 136, Bernhard Langer won the weather-shortened while the team of Marcus and David Miyashiro shot Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualala’i in 70-71—141 and won a card match with the Clifford January. He was also named 2016 Senior Player of Nishikawa/Rodney Kawamoto team to claim the Bthe Year by GWAA. (File Photo) Flight crown.

Bridgestone Golf Unveils New Soft Golf Balls ball fittings for players of all skill levels, we’ve learned that golfers have different needs, preferences and budgets,” says Adam Rehberg, Golf Ball Marketing.

“With Extra Soft we’ve developed a ball that feels amazing, but doesn’t sacrifice the distance or accuracy that is often seen as a drawback to playing a softer ball.”

Separating Bridgestone from all other ball manufacturers is the company’s unique and proven approach to new product development. It introduced a proprietary Ball Fitting system in 2007 and uses the data gathered to drive research and development.

This real-world understanding of player needs was a catalyst in the creation of the company’s most popular offerings, including the recently launched e6 SOFT and e6 SPEED series ($28.99 per dozen), Hawaii’s # Windows, Siding & Bath Showroom as well as many more.

In addition BATHROOM SAFETY CONVERSIONS to the new Extra Soft, Bridgestone Golf designs a diverse portfolio of golf balls License: #BC-27653 & #BC-14660 to meet the needs of all player performance Come See Our New Showroom! characteristics, including the B330, 1351 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu Walk-in Tub B330S, B330RX, <H;; B330RXS, e6 MARCH MAYHEM ;IJ?C7J;I SOFT, e6 SPEED, I;D?EH Powerdrive, Laddie :?I9EKDJI Extreme, and Lady.

Servi�� More information on the company’s H�w�ii On All Styles ball, club and For Over Handicap Shower email us: tropicalwholesale@hawaii.rr.com accessories offerings website: www.twoahu.com 30 Ye�rs with Grab Bars & Seat are available at www.

Windward 263-1252 | Leeward 456-4892 | Honolulu 396-0971 or 593-2000 bridgestonegolf.com.

Bridgestone Golf - Innovator and manufacturer of premium golf balls, clubs and accessories – recently unveiled their new Extra Soft golf ball series, available now at select retailers nationwide and bridgestonegolf.com.

The Extra Soft ($21.99) provides maximum length on all shots for mid-to-high handicappers, without the harsh feel and feedback associated with many balls engineered to improve distance.

An enhanced core design creates additional forgiveness off the tee, helping players consistently achieve longer, straighter drives. Extra Soft models will be offered in white, yellow and pink colors.

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What do you expect to get from playing in a pro-am competition? Well, how about the experience of playing with a golf professional… Getting involved in your professional’s game, from preparation at the driving range, putting green and short-game area, learn how he/she handles the tee shot off the first tee of the pro-am as part of your experience.

Learn how to integrate your efforts and support as part of the pro-am team, and see how often your shot was selected over that of your pro – was your tee shot longer? What was the proximity of your approach shot to the hole, as compared with other members of your group?

On the greens, is your putt consistently going into the cup more often than other members of the team?

Do other amateur members of the team regularly ask you and/or the pro to help them read the putt?

Watch how your professional handles all team decisions – selecting which ball to play next if it’s a scramble format… deciding the order of play… Note how well he/she exhibits leadership qualities The participants are the most important part of the pro-am experience. We thank them for their support of the pro-am. Let’s keep growing the game and keep the ball rolling …

Lessons On Facebook

What’s this world coming to?? Golf lessons or golf tips on Facebook now?? That’s what we hear from Kaneohe Klipper Course on O`ahu, as Manager Todd Murata e-mails us with the latest message: Leland Lindsay, who is the teaching pro at the Klipper Course, now offers Golf Tips on their Facebook page. As we understand it, you just go to www.Facebook.com/#1/ klippergolfcourse and look for Lindsay’s Golf Tip of the Week.

They recommend that you also click on “like” while you are there. That means we don’t even have to go outside to the driving range for our golf lessons!! Get an indoor practice mat and computer (aboutGolf, etc.) and you can do it all in your playroom or Leland Lindsay den!!

Check out Lindsay’s Golf Tips on Facebook and let us know what you think… just e-mail comments to: golfingguenther@gmail.com.

The F irst Tee Shootout/ Pro-Am Fundraiser

Hawaii Golf News and Travel - p. 9

There is a $28,000 Shootout and ProAm planned at Hoakale’i Country Club on O’ahu March 27-to-29. The event includes a qualifying round for the professional golfers, two matchplay rounds to determine the members of the “Elite Eight” professionals for the Shootout, and a pro-am that includes the 24 professionals who do not make the “Elite Eight” along with three amateurs on each pro-am team. Proceeds from these activities are to support The First Tee of Hawaii.

The 18-hole qualifier March 27 is open to all professional golfers and will cost each of them $200 to enter. The low 32 professionals who qualify to play in one or two rounds of match play March 28 will determine the “Elite Eight” for the Shootout and the 24 professionals for the pro-am. Each of them pays an additional entry fee of between $200 and $300 (depending on their status) before playing in the two rounds of match play and other two events (the Shootout and ProAm).

On March 29, the “Elite Eight” professionals will compete in a $23,000 stroke-play Shootout, teeing off at 12 noon, with the winner pocketing $10,000 and the eighth-place finisher earning $500. At 12:30 p.m. that same day there will be a shotgun start for the 18-hole, stroke-play pro-am, with 24 professionals playing for a $5,000 purse and the professional with the low score earning $1,200 (Ten professionals will make a check…).

Three amateurs on each pro-am team will play a scramble while their professional will play his/her own ball. The professional’s score and the scramble score will be combined for their pro-am team score, aswe understand it.

Golf professionals over 50 years of age will play from the blue tees… all other male golfers will play from the black tees… all women professionals will play from the white tees. All registered professionals may play one practice

The First Shootout

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Ambassador Card The Ambassador Golf Card is available to golfers in Hawaii again in 2017, starting in December 2016 for $100 and will be valid from January 1, 2017 thru December 31, 2017. The new 2017 card will feature more than 20 golf courses on O’ahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, with less tee time restrictions and more weekend play.

There is now a website you can visit to get updates, new offerings and added golf courses. Just visit www.AmbassadorGolfCard.com to get all information on the Card.

The Ambassador Golf Card proceeds will benefit The First Tee of Hawaii. For more information about The First Tee of Hawaii or to purchase your 2017 Ambassador Card, please contact Kellan Anderson, PGA, at 808-202-6456, or e-mail him at info@ambassadorgolfcard.com.

Golfers using the Ambassador Card at the courses in the program can play 18 holes with a golf cart for a discounted rate worth huge savings at each course. The Card is offered to Hawaii residents and Military Personnel only.

A full list of available golf courses can be found at www.AmbassadorGolfCard.com, but here is a sneak peek at some of the golf courses on the 2017 card: (O’ahu) Turtle Bay Fazio Course, Hawaii Kai GC, Hawaii Prince GC, Hoakale’i CC, Kapolei GC, Ko’olau GC, Makaha Valley CC, Royal Kunia CC, Royal Hawaiian GC… (Maui) Maui Nui GC, Kahili GC, The Dunes at Maui Lani… (Kauai) Puakea GC, Kiahuna GC, Poipu Bay GC… (Big Island) Makalei GC, and many more!

round at Hoakale’i for $25, and any additional practice rounds at $85 each. Out-of-town professionals who need a hotel room may call Hampton Inn & Suites, Kapolei (Five minutes from Hoakale’i) at (808)628-4900.

Deadline for professionals to enter (With entry form/fee) is March 13. Officials have a method of accepting credit cards (3.5% added charge…). Web site is TFTHSHOOTOUT.com.

For questions, please call Kellan Anderson, PGA, at (808)202-6456, or e-mail to info@tfthshootout. com.

Other activities associated with the Shoot out include: March 28 – Lunch at 11:30 a.m. between match-play rounds… 7-10 p.m. – ProAm Drawing & Casino Night at Dave & Busters in Honolulu… March 29 – 10 a.m. – Registration for Pro-Am… 6 p.m. – Awards Banquet Dinner for Shootout and Pro-Am participants.

The first Shootout Kellan Anderson conducted was in 2013, again using Hoakale’i as the venue for the Shootout and the pro-am.

For that first one, Anderson had 27 pros who played in the qualifier, with four players earning spots in the Shootout, while the rest played in the pro-am.

The four who played in the Shootout were Jason Jakovac, who won $7,000… Stephen Zane, who pocketed $4,500, Niel Cabico, who claimed $2,500, and Faitala Sofa, who made $2,000, according to Anderson. This year there are plans to have eight players in the Shootout … twice as many…

Let’s support this fundraiser and keep it going each year to help our junior golfers and professionals…

Okada Wins, Plans Tour Return To Hawaii Alvin Okada of Waianae, Hawaii, making his first start since last May, fired a six under par 66 in mid-February at the TPC Eagle Trace Golf Course in Florida for his fifth career win on the Minor League Golf Tour. He made four birdies and a bogey on each nine and collected $1,000 from the $5,600 purse.

Okada, 30, finished three strokes clear in the 42-player field with a three-under 33 on each nine, his six-under total three strokes better than the threeunder 69s recorded by Brad Adamonis (Cumberland, R.I.), Christian DeGreiff (Columbia), and Paul Park (Wayne, N.J.), who tied for second place. The firstplace money raised Okada’s career earnings on the Tour to $9,475.

The TPC Eagle Trace course is located in Coral Springs, FL and measures 7,040 yards from the tips, playing to a par-72.

For information on the Minor League Golf Tour, go to www.minorleaguegolf.com.

When Hawaii Golf reached Okada for comment his win, he explained: “I was just lucky to come away with the win… I really had not practiced that much; I’ve been working with Nicole (Sakamoto), getting her ready for the 2017 Symetra Tour.”

Sakamoto and Okada came home for a visit over last Christmas. While in Hawaii, Sakamoto won the women’s division at the Mauna Lani Hawaii State Open, pocketing $1,000. The two live in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area, where she works for the Minor League Tour and prepare to play the Symetra Tour (A developmental tour for the LPGA), where she will be exempt for several tournaments in 2017, and he plays a limited number of tournaments on the Minor League Tour, teaches some aspiring mini-tour pros, caddys

GWAA Top Writers GWAA (Golf Writers Association of America) said good-bye to one of the greatest ever to play the game last fall and then they honored him with some of the best writing of the year.

Yes, stories on Arnold Palmer dominated the entries in the 2017 GWAA Writing Contest and three of the winning stories were on The King.

Golf Digest’s Tom Callahan, ESPN.com’s Ian

O’Connor and Golf World’s John Strege all put Palmer’s iconic career and impact in perspective to win three of the seven categories. Callahan won his ninth career first-place with “The King for Eternity” in Non-Daily Features while Strege won for the first time with his Daily News story “Palmer, Golf Royalty, Dies at 87.’’ O’Connor won his sixth first-place with his Daily Column, “The force that drove Arnold Palmer.”

Scott Michaux of the Augusta Chronicle also won for the ninth time in his career with a Special Project -“Spieth’s Magic Moments.” Michaux and Callahan are now tied with Jaime Diaz and Alan Shipnuck for second on the all-time win list, one behind Dan Jenkins.

Ron Whitten’s Non-Daily Column “Oakmont: Gorilla in the Mist” was the third win this year for Golf Digest Companies and his career-third win. He also finished second in Special Projects. Jeff Ritter of Golf.com won Daily Features for his story “Golf, life in Rio”, while Golfweek’s Adam Schupak won Non-Daily News with “Sunday Shocker.”

O’Connor also took third in Daily Columns and an honorable mention in Daily Features, while Schupak also finished second in Non-Daily Features and had an honorable mention in Non-Daily News.

All winners will be honored April 5 at the ISPS HANDA GWAA 45th Annual Awards Dinner presented by the PGA of America, PGA TOUR and USGA. The event is held at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

for some of his students and focuses on Sakamoto’s preparations.

Okada also told Hawaii Golf that the Minor League Tour might return to Hawaii this year. Be sure to find out from our next issues how you might enter those events.

Golf Writers Plan April Awards Banquet The Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) Annual Awards Dinner will be held April 5 in Augusta, GA during The Masters week.

Dustin Johnson will be named 2016 Player of the Year on the PGA Tour…. Ariya Jutanugarn Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour… and Bernhard Langer Player of the Year on the PGA Tour, Champions.

Tim Finchem, who recently retired as PGA Tour commissioner, will receive the William D. Richardson Award for outstanding contributions to golf, while Gene Sauers will win the GWAA Ben Hogan Award for continuing to be active in golf despite a physical handicap or serious illness (Sauers had StevensJohnson Syndrome…).

Ben Crenshaw and Stewart Cink will share the 2017 ASAP Sports/ Jim Murray Award, which recognizes players who reflect the most positive aspects of the working relationship between athletes and journalists.

Peter Jacobson is to receive the GWAA’s 2017 Charlie Bartlett Award for unselfish contributions to the betterment of society. (Jacobson’s idol and mentor, Arnold Palmer, received this Award in 1976…).

All the recipients will receive their awards at the 45th ISPS HANDA GWAA Annual Awards Dinner presented by the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and USGA.

P. 8 - Hawaii Golf News and Travel The Aloha Section PGA Mauna Lani Resort Hawaii State Open in December and Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai in January are known for their first class presentation, attention to detail and golf at the highest level. Mauna Lani Resort Director of Golf Tom Sursley and his team, (Jeff Keyes, Nao Tomashiro, Tim Snelling ) with Wesley Wailehua, Executive Director, Aloha Section PGA, Serina Wailehua, and Wesley’s team and many others add nice touches every year.

At the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, Kelly Fliear, Tournament Manager and the over 400 volunteers organized by the Rotary Club of Kona, Brendan Moynahan, Director of Golf Hualalai Resort and his team, Robert Whitfield, GM Four Seasons Resort -Hualalai and his team, NBC Golf Channel team .... everyone has it down. Island of Hawaii has been so fortunate to have the PGA Tour Champions players here every year for 21 years. I’m very grateful to have been working with Kelly and the PGA Tour Champions since the beginning.

With all the attention to detail at both tournaments, no one could control the weather. Rain at Hawaii State Open and high winds at MEC resulted in both tournaments cancelling their 3rd and final rounds due to weather. The leader and winner after 36 holes was TJ Kua at Hawaii State Open and Bernhard Langer at the Mitsubishi. Fortunately, we saw some great golf up to the cancelled final rounds.

The good news is both had very full fields.

Largest ever and that means more amateurs got an opportunity to play in the pro-ams. I’m one of those amateurs and grateful to have had the opportunity. It was so much fun and I was inspired to keep having fun with my game.

At the Mauna Lani Hawaii State Open PRO-AM the format was efficient, the gifts were wonderful, the luncheon, the signage, scoreboards, the presentation and set up and attention to detail were very attractive.

I love that.

My teammates were Scott Nelson, Peter Banks, Doug Oki and Wally Oki and our pro was Nick Mason, a 3-time winner of the State Open. We had a good time. And all have some history on the Island of Hawaii, so there were plenty of stories to

Big Island Report

Emily Gail share.

At the 21st Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, I have enjoyed getting some Detroiters involved in the PRO-AM. Started many years ago and their participating helped the tournament give back to the Big Island Community monies raised for Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation and others.

So my friends always stay at Mauna Lani Resort when they visit. This year playing in the PRO-AM from Detroit with Woody Austin was Paul Forte, Bill Pirret and Brian Manoogian. Last year they played with Colin Montgomery and had a blast as they did with Woody this year. Last year I played with Craig Stadler and made friends with Craig and his wife Jan and Craig’s caddy of 26+ years, Jeff Dolf. Jeff is from Detroit, huge Red Wings fan. We had plenty to talk about and after their final round Jeff came out of the locker proudly wearing his “Say nice things about Detroit” T-shirt I had given him the day before.

This year Nancy Clavel Forte and I played with Mark O’Meara and our amateur partner was James Juarez. We all played pretty well, James especially well and had a great time.

The evening before we had all been at the pairings party. I asked Nancy before we went out to play with our Pro-Am team to make some comments about the party.

Nancy described the evening this way: “Well, it was just so special hearing the blessing from Kahu Billy Mitchell and then watching the Lim Family hula dancers and to see and feel the whole spirit. Everyone was so happy -- all the attendees, all the champions tour players. It was so special they all got up on stage. Dave Marr from NBC/Golf Channel, the MC was so eloquent, brought them up on the stage and remembered everybody’s record. And the players

were all enthusiastic.

“It’s just so exciting. This is the first time I played in the pro-am… The Champions Tour players are so nice; almost seems like they’re less interested in winning and practicing than they are in having a good time and making sure those players in the ProAm have a good time.”

And it’s true. The PGA TOUR Champions players are as good with their amateur partners as are the pros who play in the Mauna Lani Hawaii State Open. So, I suggest you sign up for a handicap at one of our golf courses. Once you have established your handicap, enter a fundraiser tournament and enjoy team events that motivate and inspire you to play in the pro-ams next year.

If you would like to know more about playing in the pro-am for the Aloha Section PGA Mauna Lani

The Detroit ‘Ohana: Brian Manoogian, Bill Pirret,, Emily T Gail, Mark O’Meara, PGA TOUR Champions player and World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Nancy Clavel-Forte and Paul Forte at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai PRO-Am. Mark told us he lived in the Detroit area until he was 5 years old.

Resort Hawaii State Open or the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai next year send an email to emilytgail@emilys.org and I’ll tell you more.

Meanwhile, as my Detroit friends enjoy Hawaii and say nice things about Detroit, they leave with many wonderful memories and experiences and go back to Michigan and become ambassadors for the Big Island.

Every year a few more of their friends join them and make the trip to the Kohala Coast and I enjoy giving them a warm welcome. Aloha

U.S. Kids Golf Director Posts Open Letter

Open letter to after-school activity coordinators: I’d like to share this news release with you. I’ve been honorably mentioned the past five years, but this is the first year I’ve actually made the top of the list. Our program takes kids from elementary schools to the driving range, on to the course and ultimately into competition. As a director for US Kids Golf Aloha Tour I’ve seen our keiki grow into this sport and some of them into college golf. This is one sport that teaches kids some of the greatest life values. Visit us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ IslandPacificGolfAcademy/ to see some of the kids that came through our program at your school. Thanks for allowing us to make a difference in your students’ lives.

“Norcross Ga. – Oliver Oliquiano, from Island Pacific Golf Academy, has been named to U.S. Kids Golf’s annual list of Top 50 Kids Teachers. The Award recognizes the world’s most outstanding youth golf instructors, and Oliquiano is part of a select group that earned Top 50 accolades among nearly 350 applicants.

“Since 2004, U.S. Kids Golf has honored the best youth golf teachers with the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award. Applicants complete an online survey and winners are chosen based on their contributions to youth golf, such as: experience young golfers; time devoted to teaching youth; innovation, creativity and fun in their programs; communication; parental involvement; use of a well-organized instruction program and overall effort to grow the game.”

The Top 50 Kids Teachers of 2016 includes golf professionals from 26 states, Canada, England and Kenya. Each year, award recipients include teachers who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

“These coaches are honored as more than instructors,” explained Dan Van Horn, the President and Jared Sawada should have a good shot at winning Founder of U.S. Kids Golf. “They create outstanding the Shootout at Hoakale’i Country Cl ub on O’ahu opportunities for young golfers to learn in a fun and March 29 and take home the $10,000 check that rewarding environment that instills a love for the game and engages the entire family. Their ability to connect comes with it. (File Photo)

Play More Golf !!

by Emily Gail

with students and fully engage them in the learning process sets them apart.”

The Top 50 Kids Teacher Award is administered by the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute, a division of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation.

Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk Visits Hoku’ala On Kauai

By Wayne Halm Am I a world famous Golf Writer? Not yet, but I do have some readers. Among them is seven time Women’s Long Drive Champion Lisa “Long-ball” Vlooswyk.

Recently I invited Lisa to come out to Kauai and play golf with me. And she came! That was exciting.

Golfing with someone who hit the ball completely beyond my experience was both fun and humbling.

However, after golf Lisa impressed me even more deeply. When we finished playing The Ocean Course at Hokuala, Kellie Hines asked Lisa to speak with some high school golf team members she was teaching.

Lisa readily agreed.

Lisa fervently talked with and laughed with the students well past our available time. I quietly rescheduled our dinner reservation, and she continued demonstrating things, watching swings, and offering tips. She worked with and encouraged the students for over an hour. The response was enthusiastic and rewarding, I even felt it.

Afterward Lisa told me, “Thanks for shifting the dinner, encouraging young golfers is so important for the game.”

Looking back, I am a bit embarrassed. I guess I did bring Lisa to the island, but I should do much more for young golfers. Should you?

Lisa acquired the nickname “Lisa Long-ball” from reporters who could not pronounce Vlooswyk. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is a motivational speaker when not crushing balls in long-ball competitions. Read more about her on her website at www.lisalongball.ca .

Kellie Hines is the head golf professional with The Ocean Course at Hokuala ( www.hokualakauai. com/golf ).

Articles about my golf rounds with Lisa are on www.kauaigolf.me .

Lisa “Long-Ball” Vlooswyk (left) from Canada, visits with Kellie Hines, PGA, head golf professional at Hoku’ala Ocean Course on Kauai. (Photo by Wayne Halm)

Diamond Resorts Invitational Donates $585,000 Woody Austin and Mark Mulder raised the trophies as the professional and celebrity victors at the recent Diamond Resorts Invitational™in Florida.

However, the biggest winner was the tournament’s main beneficiary, Florida Hospital for Children, according to a news release, receiving $585,000 in contributions.

The accompanying live and silent auctions have now raised more than $2.3 million for Florida Hospital for Children the past four years.

The release continued: “Florida Hospital for Children is one of the premier children’s hospitals in the nation, setting standards for innovation, quality and comprehensive care. The child-centric healing environment designed to keep kids comfortable is complemented by a staff of world-class doctors, specialists, nurses and healthcare professionals utilizing advanced technologies, therapies and treatments.”

The Diamond Resorts Invitational™ was televised live on Golf Channel from Friday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 15, and featured a groundbreaking format with 27 PGA TOUR Champions, four LPGA stars and 48 sports and entertainment celebrities in the field.

Players competed from the same tees at Tranquilo Golf Club (Four Seasons Resort, Orlando, FL) over 54 holes in a Modified Stableford scoring format for separate purses in professional and celebrity categories

of $750,000 and $500,000, respectively.

Austin opened the tournament shooting a Stableford score equivalent to 59, which was one of three such scores of 59 in January, along with Justin Thomas at Kapalua and Canadian Adam Hadwin at a PGA Tour event in California.

Hickam Invitational The 2017 Hickam Invitational Golf Tournament will be played on Mamala Bay Golf Course at Hickam AFB, O’ahu May 19-21. There will be a 36-hole cut and the players will be broken down into flights.

Defending champioin will be Kyle Suppa, who may not be able to defend if he has commitments at USC. Suppa shot six-under-par 210 at the Mamala Bay Course to win the 2016 Hickam Invitational by four strokes. Andrew Chin (214) took second place and Zackary Kaneshiro (215) finished third. Jun Ho Won, who won this tournament in 2015, took fourth place with an even-par 216 total for the three days, while Brandan Kop (219) was fifth.

Eddie Agustin (233) claimed A Flight, one stroke better than Neal Kido (234)… In B Flight, Derek Fukuda (237) won, while Glenn Kukuni (238) finished one stroke back… In the Senior Flight, Shigeru Matsui (223) won and Scott Ichimura (226) took second place…

Hawaii Golf News and Travel - P. 11

2017 Ho’olaule’a

The Aloha Section (PGA) and The Friends of Hawaii Charities sponsored the Ho`olaule`a Awards ceremony at the Japanese Cultural Center in Waikiki February 11.

The Hawaii State Junior Golf Association (HSJGA) recognized their players of the year by age group: 15-18 – Allysha Mae Mateo and Zackary Kaneshiro; 13-14 – Lana Calibuso-Kwee and Davis Lee; 11-12 – Rachael Wang and Marshall Kim, Jr.; and 7-10 – Raya Nakao and Taiki Marsh… Dr. Richard Ho Spirit Awards – Lacey Uchida and Noah Koshi… (The First Tee of Hawaii recognized their coach of the year, their participant of the year, and volunteer of the year…

The Hawaii State Womens Golf Association named Jeannie Pak Player of the Year and Gwen Omori, Volunteer…Hawaii State Golf Association (HSGA) honored Tyler Ota as Amateur Player of the Year, Dr. Carl Ho Senior Player of the Year and Jay Hinazumi Volunteer of the Year… and the Hawaii State Green Superintendent Association named Mike Honma Superintendent of the Year and honored Mike’s father, Short Honma with the Lifetime Achievement Award…

The Aloha Section (PGA) named Tom Sursely Golf Professional of the Year … Robert Respicio -Assistant Professional… David Havens - President’s Plaque … Travis Joerger -Bill Strausbaugh Award … Kevin Shimomura -Junior Golf Leader … Eddie Lee -Teacher of the Year…

Claude Brousseau – Horton Smith Award…

Merchandiser of the Year: Patrick Clary – Private… Marcus Judge - Resort… Keith Kodani - Sales Representative of the Year … Kevin Hayashi -Player and Senior Player of the year…

Hal Okita – Ho’okuleana Lifetime Achievement Award.

Highlight of the Ho’olaule’a was the induction of Brenda Rego, PGA, into the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame. A member of the golfing Rego family, Brenda, now head professional at the Wailea Blue Course on Maui, was the 72nd person to be inducted into the Hall.

Golf Collectors Society The Golf Collectors Society (GCS) has speakers that can make themselves available to speak to groups on a variety of golf-related subjects, and at no cost to the sponsoring organization. Here are some of the appearances listed in their Newsletter: March 18-19 – 30th Northwest Golf Collectors Trade Show; Riverside Golf and Country Club, Portland, OR (e-mail: psutton@riversidegcc.com); March 19 – Florida Golf Show at Kissimmee Bay CC – Gary Wyckoff, (937)441-1483©; April 29-30 – Homesteader, Beatrice CC, Nebraska – Two-day hickory golf event…

Contact – Seth Gray, PGA, registration form at www.beatricecc.com; March 23-25 – Onion Creek Hickory Classic, Austin, TX – info at (512)694-9904; April 20-22 – Southern Four Ball Hickory Championship, Highland Park Golf Club, Birmingham, AL; May 5-7 - AllAmerican Hickory Open; June 8-10 – National Hickory Championship, Oakhurst Links, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia… (www. hickorychampionship.org).

Brenda Rego, PGA, became the 72nd person to be inducted into the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame in Ho’olaule’a awards ceremonies. At the same event, Hal Okita was presented withe Lifetime Achievement Award. Stories about both Okita and Rego highlighted how both exhibited kindness and humility. That is very true... (Photo Courtesy of the Aloha Section (PGA)

P. 10 - Hawaii Golf News and Travel

March to May 2017 Golf Schedule 3 5 6 8 9 9 10 10 11 11

14-15 16 16-19 17 20 21-22 22 23 23 24 27 27-29 28 28-29 29 30 31

March Tournaments Hanalani School Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; U.S. Kids Parent/Child Team Tournament; Hawaii Kai Golf Course, O’ahu; Children and Family Services Fundraiser; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; Ale’s Shotgun Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; Da Hui GC; Navy-Marine GC, O’ahu; Leahi Soccor Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; Punahou School Alumni Association Shotgun Tournament; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; IAPMO Golf Tournament; Pearl CC., O’ahu; Rainbow Wahine vs North Carolina State;Kapolei Golf Course, O’ahu; Hawaii Junior Golf Day; Activities at 12 Golf Courses In The State: Hawaii Prince, Olomana, Turtle Bay, Mililani, Hilo Muni, Hualala’i, Ka’anapali, Wailea Gold, Wailea Emerald, Kahili, Princeville Makai, and Puakea...

Dr. Donnis Thompson Rainbow Wahine Tournament; Kaneeohe Klipper Course, O’ahu; Da Hui GC; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; Hawaii State Men’s, Women’s, and Senior’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; Trojan Athletics; Mililani GC, O’ahu; Gary Planos Invitational; Kapalua Bay Course, Maui; Aloha Section (PGA) Assistants Four-Ball Championship; Honolulu CC, O’ahu; OJGA Tournament ; Pearl CC, O’ahu; Association of Builders and Contractors Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; Da Hui GC; Coral Creek GC, O’ahu; Halau Hula Olana Golf Tournament; Pearl Count ry Club, O’ahu; First Tee Shootout Qualifier; Hoakale’i Country Club, O’ahu; Anuenue Spring Break Golf Classic; Kapalua Bay Golf Course, Maui; First Tee Rounds of Match Play and Pro-Am Draw; Hoakale’i & Dave/Busters, O’ahu; Army Women’s Golf Invitational; Leilehua Golf Course, O’ahu; First Tee Shootout and Pro-Am, with awards banquet; Hoakale’i CC, O’ahu; Da Hui GC; Kapolei GC, O’ahu; U.H. School of Architecture Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu;

1-2 6 7 7 11 11 12-15 13 13 20 20 21 21 20-23 22-23 24-26 27 28 29-30 1-2 1-2 4 4 4-6 5 5 6-7 7

April Tournaments Fifth Annual Turtle Bay 2-Person Golf Tournament; Turtle Bay Fazio and Palmer Courses, O’ahu; Da Hui Golf Club; Royal Kunia CC, O’ahu; Christian Academy Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; NUCA Shotgun Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; LOTTE Championship Pro-Am; KoOlina Golf Club, O’ahu; U.H. Nakoa Football Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; LOTTE LPGA Championship; KoOlina Golf Club, O’ahu; Da Hui Golf Club; Olomana GC, O’ahu; 808 Basketball Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Japan/American Society of Hawaii Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; Da Hui Golf Club; Pearl CC, O’ahu; Deez Socks Baseball Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; American Carpet One Golf T ournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; 59th Mid-Pacific Open; Mid Pacific Country Club, O’ahu IwalaniGomard (7-12- year olds)/ Lori Ige Memorial (13-18 - year old); Olomana (OJGA); Pacific West Championships; Turtle Bay; Da Hui Golf Club; Hawaii Prince GC,; Hawaii Transportation Association Golf Tournament ; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; Francis Ii Brown Four-Ball Championship; Ala Wai Municipal GC, O’ahu; May Tournaments David S. Ishii Foundation Hawaii State Girls High School Golf Championship; Ka’anapali Golf Resort, Maui; Big Island Candies Team Golf Championship; Hokuli’a Golf Club, The Big Island; St. Francis Health Care Golf Touirnament; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; Da Hui Golf Club,; Ewa Beach GC; David S. Ishii Foundation Hawaii State Boys Golf Championship; Ka’anapali Golf Resort, Maui; ASHRAE Hawaii Golf Tour nament; Pear l Country C lub, O’ahu; Times Super Market Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; Francis Ii Brown Four-Ball Golf Championship; Ala Wai Municipal GC; Battle at the Bay (O’ahu Junior Golf); Mamala Bay Golf Course, O’ahu;

Tour Edge Exotics XII Tour Edge Golf recently announced the new Exotics XJ1 fairway woods. Always at the forefront of technology, Exotics research and development has once again brought to market a groundbreaking material that benefits players — but this time, it benefits real-world players with real-world swing speeds. The material behind the new XJ1 fairway woods is a titanium so powerful, Tour Edge engineers refer to it as SUPERMETAL. Once again, our engineers are the first to bring new material combinations to the market. The ultimate combination of a new ultra-lightweight 9-11 titanium body and a heavy tungsten sole exceeds all design platforms. The XJ1 fairway wood body is constructed entirely of the brand new 9-1-1 titanium which is remarkably light, 10 percent lighter than 6A4v titanium, allowing engineers to save significant weight in the body. The unprecedented strength of 91-1 enables it to be thinner and more reactive, even at lower swing speeds.

“The Exotics brand was created to bring the best technology to the market. In previous models that benefitted players with faster swing speeds,” said David Glod, president and founder of Tour Edge Golf.

“I am thrilled that the XJ1 fairway woods perform better for all golfers, but especially for low to mid swing speeds. Finally, an advanced technological club, with the Exotics stamp of approval, that improves the game for those who need it most.”

11 11

Da Hui Golf Club; Navy-Marine GC; Samurai Classic Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; 11 B. Hayman Fundraiser Golf Tournament;; Hawaii Prince GC, O’ahu; 12 Kalihi YMCA Shotgun Golf Tournament; Pearl CC, O’ahu; 12 Dynasty Girls Softball Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Mililani GC, O’ahu; 12 ASIS Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince GC; 13 Local Qualifier for U.S. Open; King Kamehameha Golf Club, Maui; 15 Local Qualifier for U.S. Open; Waialae Country Club, O’ahu; 18 Chinese Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; 18 Da Hui Golf Club; Mamala Bay, O’ahu; 19 Iolani Alumni Fundraiser Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; 19 Hawaii State AFL/CIO Golf Tournament; Pearl Country Club, O’ahu; 19-21 Jennie K. Wilson Women’s Invitational; Mid-Pacific Country Club, O’ahu; 19-21 Hickam Invitational Golf Tournament; Mamala Bay Golf Course, O’ahu; 22 Aloha Section (PGA) Classic Scramble; MidPacific Country Club, O’ahu; 25 Da Hui Golf Club; Barbers Pt, O’ahu; 26 N&K CPA Shotgun Golf Tournament; Pearl Countrty Clu b, O’ahu 26 Gartner Group Shotgun Golf Tournament; Hawaii Prince Golf Club, O’ahu; 28 U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier; Poipu Bay Golf Resort, Kauai; 31 Rehabilitation Center of the Pacific Fundraiser Tou rnament; Hawaii Princ e Golf Club, O’ahu; 31 U,S. Senior Open Qualifier; Hoakale’i Country Club, O’ahu;

Gary Planos Invitational-- The Gary Planos

Invitational will be held March 20 at Kapalua Bay Course. The Invitational will raise money for the Evans Scholar Foundation. Planos had been a Foundation board member since 1997. Format for the Invitational is three-person scramble, with a $200/person entry fee ($600/team) and a March 15 deadline to enter. Call (808)593-2230 for info.

Back Issues

Anyone interested in researching issues of “Hawaii Golf News and Travel” back to 2015 may follow the cites from ISSU set up by John Byrne (Mahalo John!!): https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/jun_-_aug_15 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/sep-nov_15 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/december-feb2016-hgnt https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/mar_to_may_16 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/june_to_aug16 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/sep_to_nov._16 https://issuu.com/mauigolf/docs/dec_16_to_feb_17

Mililani Golf Academy

The Mililani Golf Academy, with programs at both Ala Wai Driving Range and Mililani Driving Range on O`ahu, continues to provide extensive golf instruction at all levels, from beginners to juniors to mid-range handicappers to low-handicap and professional golfers who may need minor adjustments. Head instructor Jeff Ferry tells Hawaii Golf that the golf range at Ala Wai Municipal is currently closed, so the Academy works only at Mililani Golf Club at this time. Once the Ala Wai Range re-opens the Mililani Golf Academy will also renew their physical fitness program at Ala Wai that compliments their golf instruction programs, according to Ferry.

To learn more abouit what is offered at the Mililani Golf Academy, call Ferry at (808)226-2220 or visit their web site at mililanigolfacademy.com.

P. 12 - Hawaii Golf News and Travel

Justin Thomas holds the trophy he won at the 2017 SBS Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Golf Resort in January. There was a similar trophy presentation on O’ahu a week later after Thomas won the SONY Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club.

(Photo Courtesy of Kapalua Golf Club)

Help Junior Golf Donate and Volunteer

Thomas Sweeps Two Events In Hawaii Justin Thomas came to Hawaii in earlyJanuary, and by the time he left 16 days later, he had two PGA Tour golf titles in his golf bag.

Because he won a PGA Tour event in 2016, Thomas was cleared to play in the SBS Tournament of Champions, contested on the par-73 Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on Maui in early-January.

The Plantation Course snakes through Kapalua Golf Resort, where pineapple fields once covered the hills and valleys. Thomas found these challenging Crenshaw/Coor golf holes to his liking as he chased the trophy his buddy, Jordan Spieth, kissed last year.

Thomas met the challenge and carded a 22under-par 67-67-67-69—270 to win by three strokes over Hideki Matsuyama (69-68-66-70—273) and six strokes better than a trio of 2016 winners – Ryan Moore (67-67-71-71), Pat Perez (69-71-69-67) and Spieth (72-69-70-65) who tied for third place at 16-under 276.

Thomas won $1.2-million, Matsuyama earned $712thousand, and the three tied each pocketed $359,000.

Although it has a limited field, the SBS TOC had some of the top players, as only winners from the previous year are exempt to enter.

The first full-field event on the PGA Tour 2017-18 schedule was the SONY Open in Hawaii, played on Waialae Country Club’s easy-towalk par-70 golf course for the Tour combatants.

Justin Thomas and the others who took the 20-minute flight from Maui to O’ahu must have had a huge collective sigh of relief when they first played Waialae. Thomas found the course to his liking, as he carded a 59 his first round, then Zach Johnson recorded a 61 his second round and Kevin Kisner flirted with a 59 his third round, but settled for a 60, and Chez Reavis charged the 59 barrier, but settled for a 61 his fourth round… you get the picture…

Once the dust settled, Justin Thomas was again the winner, at 27-under-par 59-64-65-65, while Justin Rose, playing at Waialae for his first time and still carrying that gold medal from the Olympics in Rio, finished 20under-par 66-64-66-64—260, in second place, seven shots back of the winner. Jordan Spieth shot 63 his final

round to come in third, at 19-under 65-67-65-63—261.

Jared Sawada, the only golfer with Hawaii connections to make the 36-hole cut, shot 68-66-71-73—278 to win $12,000.

But it was Justin Thomas who swept the Islands, winning twice in Hawaii…

The pro-am team headed by professional Tony Finau (Second from the right) won the SBS Tournament of Champions Pro-Am at Kapalua Golf Club on Maui in early-January. Pictured here are Finau and amateurs Hu Odom, Bruce Lesser and Brian Egan. (Photo Courtesy of Kapalua Golf Resort)

LOTTE Needs Volunteers

The 2017 LOTTE LPGA Golf Championship, presented by Hershey, needs volunteers to help with the golf tournament, scheduled for the week of April 9-15. Volunteers are needed primarily on April 11 (Pro-Am day) and April 12-15 (Tournament days.).

Volunteers get a uniform – A golf or Aloha shirt with either a golf hat (men) or visor (women) – plus meals and beverages on the days they volunteer. They also get a badge that is good for admission all week, a volunteer parking area, and a Volunteers Appreciation party.

Those who volunteer two full days get a round of golf at KoOlina Golf Club later this year.

Officials need volunteers as Marshals to control the crowd during the tournament… to control access to parking areas… to be standard bearers and walking scorers… and more.

To learn more or to request applications, go to lottechampionshp.com and click on the Volunteer box.

Katie Burnett was tied for the lead the last round of the 2016 LOTTE LPGA Championship, only to have Minjee Lee pass her for a one-stroke win. (File Photo)

Sei Young Kim won the 2015 LOTTE LPGA Championship in dramatic fashion -- she tied the lead on her 72nd hole with birdie, then won a suddendeath playoff with an eagle-2 on the same par-four #18. (File Photo)

p 9

Getting Safe, Quality Bathroom Safety should always be our first priority when it comes to us seniors.

Becoming a senior sneak’s up on all of us. One day we are raising our children working and rushing and the next day we look in the mirror and ask who is that. Well it’s us the older wiser version but older. As seniors we don’t heal as fast as when we were young. A bump can now be a break. Our reflexes are just a little slower than when we were young. This always helped us avoid allot mishaps of everyday life. And we still get in a rush and that can be our downfall.

The # 1 place we seniors have accidents is in the bathroom. In fact 73% of all accidents for seniors happen in their own bathrooms. The floor can get wet and slippery or having to step over the tub can create a fall. These unforeseen issues in most seniors lives and happen because we just don’t feel older. We don’t think of ourselves as old and that’s how accidents happen. I can tell you we sure don’t plan accidents they just happen.

But there are ways to prevent 90% of these accidents and that is to be proactive. First create a safe bathroom area.And of course slow down a bit and don’t worry about rushing.

A smart way to create a safe Bath environment is to convert a tub in your home to a semi-handicap shower. When talking with Matt and Mike the owners not look like a care home. Tropical has 15 to 20 different colors and at Tropical you will be encouraged to know they have the answers. Tropical has designs available. And can even do complete remodeling for the bathroom. a showroom at 1351 South Beretania with a lot of safe bath ideas. For example: 5) And best of all the installation by Tropical normally takes only 2 days. The 1) There are walk-in showers with 0 barrier so that a wheel chair can easily roll in. install is done completely by Tropical a General Contractor in Hawaii for over 30 years.

2) There are also regular shower units that are still semi- handicap Don’t wait for an accident to happen that can change your quality of life. with all the options available like Solid seats that carry up to 3 to 400 lbs. Call Tropical for a free estimate or visit the showroom for all the latest ideas for bathroom safety for seniors. The showroom is at 1351 South Beretania 3) All the latest in handicap bars that have style. The bars even come in several colors. open 9- 5 pm Monday to Friday and 10- 4 pm. on Saturday. And make sure you ask for our Local discounts as well as senior discounts and get started 4) There is also the latest in designs for your bathroom so it does on a safe bathroom installation for a better Quality of life.Call 593-2000.