Rarick to dispense advice at Waikoloa

Advertiser Staff

After nearly 20 years on the LPGA tour, Cindy Rarick keeps coming back to Hawai'i.

Rarick

Rarick played for the University of Hawai'i before making it to the tour in 1985. She won the 1987 Gatorade Most Improved Player Award, when she made the Tsumura Hawaiian Ladies Open the first of five victories.

Rarick went over $2 million in career earnings two years ago, but has since lost her exempt status. She didn't make the cut in the 13 2004 events she played.

"I was so frustrated with my game I took a lot of time off," Rarick said. "I felt like I should. I was trying so damn hard it was backfiring."

She's here to give a clinic to participants in the weekend tournament, which is played on the Beach and Kings' courses. The two questions she's asked most at clinics are how to get 20 more yards and how to shoot substantially lower.

Rarick's answer is the same for both: "What people don't realize is that you have to look at the game from 100 yards in, even 60 yards in. That is so critical."

Rarick is headed to a series of Pro-Ams and the Nevada State Women's Open before the end of this year. She hopes to return to Hawai'i for an LPGA event early next year. Players are talking about the tour returning to Turtle Bay — site of her first victory — in February, but LPGA and Turtle Bay officials say nothing is confirmed.

This weekend, Rarick might get as much as she gives, as she continues to ponder her future.

"Some of these women have a lot of good ideas, they are very successful business women," Rarick says. "I try to pick their brain a little. The one common denominator is they are all passionate about what they are doing. They love golf, for recreation and fun, but they are successful in business because they put their heart and soul into it.

"When I was really enjoying golf and having fun is when I played my best. Those things feed on each other."

Teams and individuals can register until tomorrow. Packets can be obtained by calling (808) 886-7888. A special hotel rate is available at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott at (808) 922-5333.

4-Ball Match Play set to tee off Monday

Larry Stubblefield and Andrew Feldmann will defend their title against an intriguing field in the 2004 Golf Concepts/E-Z-Go 4-Ball Match Play Championship. The Aloha Section PGA event is Monday to Wednesday at Oahu Country Club.

There are 16 teams in this year's field, with Champions Tour player Dave Eichelberger among the entrants. Eichelberger, a Hawai'i resident and OCC member, is playing with OCC pro Shane Abe.

Ron Castillo Sr. is also playing, with son Michael, who is Director of Golf at Po'ipu Bay. Beau Yokomoto, a finalist with Wade Nishimoto last year, is playing with John Lynch.

The qualifying round starts at 1 p.m. on Monday. The first round is at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by a second round at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday's semifinals go off at 7 a.m., with the final at noon.

All matches are scheduled for 18 holes. The purse is $8,500.

Kings' Course offering trio of programs

Waikoloa Beach & Golf Resort has three programs going this fall at the Kings' Course.

There are weekly clinics Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m., and Friday at 4 p.m.

"The Game" takes place every Sunday and Monday at 12:30 p.m. The mini-tournament costs $50, which includes cart fee.

At noon every day, $75 gets golfers a tee time and $10 gift certificate to the Kings' Grill.

For reservations and information, call the course at (808)-886-7888.