Posted on: Thursday, January 22, 2004

Sony organizers looking at parking

Advertiser Staff

Michelle Wie's showing in the Sony Open in Hawai'i last week opened eyes about more than just the golf.

Beyond showing that she could play in this PGA Tournament field, Wie's performance and the crowd it helped attract also underlined the need for more parking for the event when she comes back.

Wie, who received a sponsor's exemption to play in the event, shot a 2-under-par 68 on Friday for a two-day total of 140, one stroke from becoming the first female to make a PGA Tour cut in modern times.

Even the pros took note of the challenges the event faces with Wie's popularity and crowds that swelled above 10,000 for the first time to 16,075 for the final day and record 51,717 overall.

"The fans have always been good here," said Davis Love III. "It's just hard to get down here (to Waialae Country Club). It seems like parking. If we had Tiger (Woods) and Michelle in this event, I don't know what we would do. There wouldn't be any place to park."

Sony was able to get parking restored at privately owned Hunakai Park for the event after a year's absence, but was unable to secure city approval for additional parking at Kahala Field.

Sony representative Dale Nagata said the sponsor is committed to improving the event.

"We're looking at the big picture to make this a big-time event," he said.

But Nagata said future growth, "all comes down to parking. Everything starts with parking. That's the only way it will draw."

Nagata said Sony will ask the city to revisit plans for Kahala Field, where he estimates an additional 1,500-2,000 cars could be parked. "We're willing to do whatever it takes to put it back the way it should be. We'll refurbish the field afterward," Nagata said.