Isle File
Seki qualifies for U.S. Publinx

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Punahou graduate Jim Seki Jr. of Stanford was Hawai'i's only qualifier in the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championships yesterday at Pecan Valley Golf Club in San Antonio.

Seki posted scores of 72-76—148.

Six other Hawai'i golfers failed to qualify at the cutoff score of 151.

Eric Fong (Waipahu) shot 80-76—156, Jarett Hamamoto (Hilo) 79-77—156, Royden Heirakuji (Maui) 79-79—158; Pat Viernes (Kaua'i) 85-80—165; Chris Igawa (Hilo) 86-80—156, and Guy Yamamoto (Waipahu) 87-81—168.

Nick Cassini of Athens, Ga., and 17-year-old James Vargas of Miami both repeated their opening-round 1-under-par 70s and tied for the stroke play medal on the 7,005-yard course.

Vargas and Casini led 64 golfers into today's match-play format.

Ben Flam, a member of the Arizona State golf team, shot a 3-over 74 for a two-day total of 3-over 145.

Flam's caddie, Lee Penterman, has difficulty walking because of cerebral palsy. He requested the use of a cart but was denied by U.S. Golf Association officials.

MORE GOLF

OCC Tournament: The 38th annual O'ahu Country Club Men's Invitational will be held tomorrow, Friday and Sunday at OCC.

A field of 112 players will compete for the open championship, senior championship (55 to 64 years old) and super seniors championship (65 and older).

The open championship is over 54 holes; the others over 36 holes.

Joe Phengsavath will defend his title. Last year, he won by a stroke over Jim Seki Jr. Also in this year's field are former champions Brandan Kop (1998) and Wendell Kop (1986, 1989), 2000 Manoa Cup champion Randy Shibuya, and 2001 Sports Shinko Rainbow Open champion Parker McLachlin.

Other golfers entered are Jonathan Ota, Gary Kong, Paul Kimura, Del-Marc Fujita, Sean Doi, Norman-Gannin and Kellen-Floyd Asao and Phil Animizu.

Tee off each day is 7 a.m.