Japan teen joins Wie at Hawai'i Pearl Open
Advertiser Staff
Michelle Wie and Sakura Yokomine might not win next week's 27th annual Hawai'i Pearl Open, but their presence will overwhelm the early rounds — at least — at Pearl Country Club.
The $80,000 tournament features a field of 190 male pros and amateurs from Japan, Hawai'i and the Mainland. Then there is Wie — possibly the world's most famous 15-year-old amateur — and Yokomine, 19, who turned pro after graduation last summer and is so famous in Japan she simply goes by "Sakura."
Yokomine
The female percentage could rise further, with two playing in Tuesday's qualifying for the final eight spots.
The tournament unofficially opens with next Thursday's Pro-Am. The first two rounds start at 7 a.m. The field will be cut to the top 80 after next Saturday's second round. The final round begins at 8 a.m. next Sunday. Admission is free.
This is Wie's third consecutive appearance at Pearl. She missed the cut the first year and tied for 38th last year, and was second-low amateur to Kaua'i's Jonathan Ota.
Yokomine, who is making her first appearance as a pro in the United States, finished second in her Japan LPGA debut in September. She played well enough in her first four events to earn exempt status this year. The season begins in March and Yokomine said she plans to play all 32 events.
Yokomine has won two mini-tour events as a pro. Her goal this year is to become the second JLPGA player to win more than $1 million. Her presence, along with fellow teen Ai Miyazato, has caused JLPGA TV ratings to overtake those of the Japan men's tour. Miyazato won six events in 2004 and was named Rookie of the Year.
Nearly half of this year's Pearl field comes from Japan, including 70 pros and perennial contender Kiyoshi Murota, the 2002 champion.
Other former champions playing next week include David Ishii, Kevin Hayashi, Lance Suzuki and Greg Meyer. Ishii has won the event at Pearl, where he is director of golf, six times. Meyer, a former assistant pro at Pearl, has captured the last two titles and has four overall.
Other Hawai'i players in the field include Champions Tour player Dave Eichelberger, former Rainbow Matt Kodama, who won the state amateur at Pearl last March, Regan Lee, Aloha Section Player of the Year John Lynch, Parker McLachlin, Manoa Cup champion Ryan Perez, Joe Phengsavath and Dean Prince.
Po'ipu specials
Po'ipu Bay Golf Course, home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, is offering several specials for non-kama'aina golfers.
Po'ipu Bay's 2005 "Grand Slam Package" offers three rounds of golf for a discounted price, on the condition that all three rounds be completed within 10 days after date of purchase. The package includes green fees, golf cart, use of the GPS (global positioning system) and driving range for three rounds for $360 plus tax. For guests staying at the adjacent Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort & Spa, the package is offered at $300 plus tax.
Prepaid Golf Packages, providing discounts to golfers who pre-purchase five or 10 rounds, are $550 and $1,000. Additional savings are offered to Hyatt Kaua'i hotel guests. All rounds must be used within 30 days of payment. The package is nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Po'ipu Bay also has mini-tournaments on Wednesdays and Sundays, open to visitors and residents. The 18-hole tournaments are limited to 50 players. Entry fee is $100.
Other special rates are available for visitors and kama'aina. For more information or to book tee times, call 1-800-858-6300 or 742-8711.
NOTICE
Monday — Deadline for the 2005 Taylor Made/UH-Hilo Golf Future Stars College Amateur Tournament Feb. 8 at the Waikoloa Village Course. Noon shotgun start after 10:45 a.m. check-in. Format: 4-person team with two college players. Fee: $300 per player. Information: Earl Tamiya at (808) 974-7493.
