Warrior golfers must keep drive
Advertiser Staff
A year ago, winning the UH/Turtle Bay Intercollegiate championship wasn't exactly a springboard for the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warrior golf team. UH coach Ronn Miyashiro hopes his team's successful defense last week has a better ending.
The Warriors were the only team to finish under par, closing with a 295 to overtake 19th-ranked UNLV and win by three. UC Riverside, No. 34 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index, was another shot back.
Miyashiro
Hawai'i sophomore Cody Wolfenbarger made it a sweep when he won the individual title by six shots, finishing at 10-under-par 206. Former state high school champion Jarett Hamamoto (75-216) also finished in the Top 10.
Miyashiro wishes Wolfenbarger, Hamamoto and their teammates could test drive their success on the road right now, but the 'Bows' next tournament is not until the UH-Hilo/Waikoloa Intercollegiate in February.
"I'd like to see us in a different scenario — away from home — and see how we use this win in another event ... if it's going to help us," Miyashiro says. "Last year we did the same thing and went into the tank in the spring."
The Rainbows followed up last Wednesday's win with a long meeting Friday. The focus was on avoiding what happened last year, emphasizing how crucial it is to work in the three-month interim, and concentrating on coming back better than they were last week.
The national impact was subtle. This week UH is ranked 121st. Its goal is to go low — on the course and in the rankings — starting in February and turn last spring's disappointment around.
Kodama cruises in Turtle Bay Amateur
Former Rainbow Matt Kodama captured last weekend's second annual Turtle Bay Amateur by seven shots. Kodama, the reigning State Amateur champion, represented UH at the 2004 NCAA Regionals and won the 2004 Cougar Classic.
Kodama shot rounds of 67-68 at the Fazio and Palmer courses for a total of 9-under 135. UH-Hilo's Brandon Abreu (71-142) was second and Neal Takara (71-144) third.
Jonathan L. Mathias was not able to defend his 2003 title. Mathias is training with the Air Force in San Antonio and doesn't expect to be back home until Thanksgiving. Mathias does plan to try and qualify for the Sony Open in Hawai'i.
Take a Swing at Crime promotion continues
The Take a Swing at Crime charity promotion continues through the end of the year on O'ahu. It is sponsored by Crimestoppers Honolulu, Friends of Hawai'i Charities and the Sony Open.
Golfers can participate by giving a $10 donation on Saturdays at specified courses. Participants get a daily admission ticket to the Sony Open and can become eligible for the Million Dollar Shot contest.
The schedule: Saturday —Hawai'i Kai and Hawai'i Prince; Nov. 20— Pearl and Barbers Point; Nov. 27—Mililani and Kapolei; Dec. 4—Coral Creek and Hawai'i Kai; Dec. 11—Waikele and Luana Hills.
Cotner 38th in second stage PGA Q-School
Hawai'i's Keoke Cotner is tied for 38th after the first round of the PGA Tour Qualifying School's Second Stage event at Stonebridge Ranch, in McKinney, Texas. Cotner shot 75 and is six shots off the lead.
Next week, Hawai'i's Parker McLachlin will play in the second stage at Black Horse Course, in Seaside, Calif. Former Hawai'i resident, and U.S. Open champion, Scott Simpson will be at Oak Valley Golf Club, in Beaumont, Calif.
Amatour's Tour Championship at HCC
Amatour Hawai'i's Tour Championship is this weekend at Honolulu Country Club. Points for Player of the Year are doubled at the tour major.
Paul Kimura leads the race by a slim margin over Craig Uyehara, who just won the RSA Kapolei Masters. Earl Medeiros, Shawn Tanoue and Ryan Perez round out the top five.
This weekend's tournament will also decide the 24 exempt spots for next year's Amatour.
Nelson, Council clinch Maui Tour honors
Makena head pro Kirk Nelson clinched Maui Tour Player of the Year honors by winning last month's event at Lana'i's The Challenge at Manele.
Nelson shot 72 for his fourth victory this year. Clif Council earned Senior Player of the Year with his tie for first in the Senior Division.
The Maui Tour Championship will be Sunday at Makena South, at noon.
NOTES
The Hawai'i Golf Representatives Association will hold its Golf Sample Sale Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Washington Intermediate School Cafeteria.
