Posted on: Tuesday, December 9, 2003

Castillo, Ishii, Ota earn Sony berths

Advertiser Staff

Professionals Ron Castillo Jr. and David Ishii shot par-70s at Waialae Country Club yesterday to earn spots in the Sony Open in Hawai'i.

The Sony Open, the PGA's first full-field event of the season, is Jan. 15-18 at Waialae.

Castillo, a pro at Kiahuna Golf Club, and Ishii, who represents Pearl Country Club, beat out 49 other pros in the Aloha Section PGA members-only qualifying.

Amateur Jonathan Ota beat Mike Kim on the first playoff hole to also earn a spot in the Sony. Ota and Kim shot 75s. It is the second year in a row that Ota earned the amateur spot.

Kevin Hayashi, the Aloha Section PGA's player of the year, and Michelle Wie, who was given a sponsor's exemption, will also play in the Sony Open.

An open Monday qualifier is scheduled for Jan. 12 at Pearl Country Club. Four spots will be awarded.

Entry forms are available at http://aloha.pga.com or by calling the section office at 593-2230.