Irwin commits to 2002 Turtle Bay Championship

Advertiser Staff

Defending champion Hale Irwin and U.S. Senior Open champion Don Pooley have committed to play in the 2002 Turtle Bay Championship, Oct. 4-6 at Turtle Bay's Arnold Palmer Course.

Pooley is in his first full year on the senior tour. He tied for 11th last year at Turtle Bay. Irwin has collected more than $15 million as a senior and won five times in Hawai'i.

The Palmer Course is currently replacing its greens.

The $1.5 million tournament offers a $225,000 first prize.

There is no charge for practice rounds and Pro-Ams Monday-Thursday.

Admission is $10 daily during the tournament, or $20 for all three days.

Sponsor/Partner hospitality packages, which include Pro-Am spots and hospitality venues, are available for the tournament. For tournament, sponsor and Pro-Am information, call 545-1588.

• Friendship Golf Classic: The Japan-America Society of Hawai'i will hold its Friendship Golf Classic Aug. 1 at Mamala Bay Golf Course at Hickam Air Force Base.

Registration for the two-person best-ball tournament will be at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start scheduled for noon. For information, telephone 524-4450 or e-mail: ayoshiko@jashawaii.org.

• Amateur event: The Waikoloa Beach Resort will be the site of the 79th Big Island Amateur tournament July 26-28.

The tournament is only open to Big Island residents and costs $170 per player.

Entry deadline is Monday. Entry forms are available at Big Island golf shops or at www.waikoloagolf.com.