Junior golf's Tournament of Champions set

Advertiser Staff

Buoyed by a benefactor who has guaranteed its future for the next three years, the Hawai'i State Junior Golf Association's Tournament of Champions tees off Saturday at Wailea's Emerald Course.

Wan Koo Huh, a businessman from Korea, made a "substantial personal financial commitment" to the tournament, according to an HSJGA spokesman. His donation will subsidize the event through 2004. Huh was approached by Ko Olina director of golf Greg Nichols and others involved with HSJGA.

The TOC is the culmination of the 2002 HSJGA season. Players who won events in their age group this year qualify. The field of 77 includes Michelle Wie, Travis Toyama, Stephanie Kono, Amanda Wilson and Kurt Nino.

The boy and girl who win the 15-18 age division are eligible to participate in the 2003 Sony Open in Hawai'i Pro-Junior Challenge. The HSJGA's Players of the Year (girls and boys oldest age division) also get spots in the Challenge. The final two spots are given out by sponsor First Hawaiian Bank.

Paul Azinger, PGA champion Rich Beem and defending Sony champion Jerry Kelly have already committed to play in the Pro-Junior.

Players tee off from 11 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday on Maui.