SONY OPEN
Wilson, Cotner earn berths in Sony Open

Advertiser Staff

Kane'ohe's Dean Wilson, who won three tournaments on the Japan PGA Tour last year, was one of four golfers earning berths yesterday for this week's Sony Open in Hawai'i.

Keoke Cotner, David Morland and Ken Tanigawa also earned berths at the qualifying round at Pearl Country Club.

The Sony Open begins Thursday at Waialae Country Club.

Cotner, a Kamehameha Schools graduate who plays on the PGA's Buy.com Tour, shot an 8-under 64 to take medalist honors.

Morland, a pro from Windermere, Fla., was two strokes back.

Tanigawa, a California pro who is a two-time Pearl Open champion, and Wilson finished with birdie-4s on the first playoff hole to earn berths.

Tanigawa, Wilson and California pros Brad Benkey and Todd Fischer were tied at 68 after regulation.

Cotner, 30, of Bedford, Texas, played in 20 Buy.com tournaments and won the Oregon Classic last season.

Other Hawai'i golfers in the Sony Open include amateur Jonathan Ota and professionals Kevin Hayashi, last year's Aloha Section PGA Player of the Year; David Ishii, a former Hawaiian Open winner; and Tommy Hines.