GOLF BRIEFS
Hamamoto will play for Hawai'i

Advertiser Staff

After months of contemplation and more months of paperwork, two-time Hawai'i state high school champion Jarett "J.T." Hamamoto is home to finish his collegiate career.

Hamamoto, a 2002 Waiakea graduate from Hilo, will play for the University of Hawai'i-Manoa in the fall. He decided in March to leave the Air Force Academy.

"The military wasn't for me, plus I'll be closer to home," Hamamoto said. "It was just one of my options and the easiest transition."

The time since his decision has been taken up with meetings in Colorado to explain his decision and paperwork that allowed him to get his release and be eligible to play for the Warriors this fall. He wasn't officially accepted at Manoa until this month.

"J.T. sees it as an opportunity, I think," said UH coach Ronn Miyashiro. "He had chances to go other places, but here he could come in, play immediately and contribute. And knowing we'll have a good team this year might have swayed his decision."

Hamamoto's transfer gives Miyashiro one of his best incoming groups.

In Hamamoto, he has one of just four players who have defended a state high school title. Hamamoto played No. 1 last season at Air Force and shot the lowest 54-hole tournament total in school history (205). He was second and third in the two tournaments leading to the Mountain West Championships, where he finished 20th.

Two of the last three Manoa Cup champions — Ryan Perez (Moanalua) and Travis Toyama (University) — are also going to UH, along with Arizona's Billy Bob Hoyt and Chase Bingham.

Kellen-Floyd Asao, the 2003 Manoa Cup champ, will be one of three UH seniors in the fall.

Senior championship at Mauna Lani Resort

A field of 13 will play in the Aloha Section Callaway Golf PGA Senior Club Professional Championship, Sunday and Monday on the South Course at Mauna Lani Resort.

Pros will be competing for three spots in the National Senior CPC, to be played Oct. 21 to 24 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. That $285,000 event features a 264-player field.

A fourth spot will be awarded to the section's Senior Champion, which is the winner of the senior division of the Mauna Kea Resort Stroke Play Championship next month.

U.S. Army Director of Golf Mike Iyoki won the Senior CPC title last year at Leilehua. Others playing this year include Hilo Muni's Rodney Acia, Kaua'i Lagoon's Rich Fite, Ala Wai teaching professional Ron Kia'aina Jr. and Mauna Lani director of golf Dennis Rose.

Mid Amateur qualifier set for Mid-Pac

Hawai'i's U.S. Mid Amateur qualifying will be Aug. 26 at Mid-Pacific Country Club. An incorrect listing was in last week's Golf Page. The national championship is Oct. 2 to 7 at St. Simons Island in Georgia.

Other qualifying dates:

• U.S. Amateur, July 27 at Honolulu Country Club. National championship is Aug. 16 to 22 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.
• U.S. Senior Amateur, Sept. 8 at Oahu Country Club. National championship Oct. 9 to 14 at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles.

For more information, call the Hawai'i State Golf Association (589-2909) or visit hawaiistategolf.org or usga.org.