Posted on: Thursday, May 26, 2005

Holes in One

Advertiser Staff

This ace was for the team

RYNE MIZUSHIMA

April 7, 2005

Hawai'i Kai Executive Course

Hole No. 3, 143 yards, 7-wood

Ryne Mizushima, a 13-year-old Iolani School seventh-grader from Kaimuki, recently got his first hole-in-one and shared his story:

It was a partly cloudy day when my Iolani golf team and I practiced nine holes at the Hawai'i Kai Executive Course.

On the 143-yard third hole, I chose a 7-wood when I stood at the tee box. I was just aiming to the middle of the green to not get myself into trouble, but when I hit it solid it was going straight for the flag stick. When I started to look for my ball around the back of the green, I noticed that two of my teammates pulled the ball out of the hole.

After we ended the round we had a team meeting to discuss what we learned today. Coach Glen Inouye announced that I had a hole-in-one and everyone applauded.

It was then that I realized that it felt greater to be accepted by my golf team rather than having an individual accomplishment like a hole-in-one. Iolani School's motto is "One Team."

Coach Inouye displayed this by not cutting anyone who tried out for the team and also allowed each person a chance to play in a tournament. Also, team members encourage one another to try their best and to not give up when your are having a difficult time.

Each team member is taught to think about the team's needs first and their individual goals second. I feel privileged to be part of Iolani. Go Raiders!

Do you have a story to tell about your hole-in-one? Tell us about it. Stories must be typed and brief, around 50-100 words. The stories must include the date, course, hole, yardage and club. Return phone numbers must be listed. Holes-in-one must have been reported to The Advertiser by the golf courses. Fax submissions to 525-5491 or e-mail to: sports@HonoluluAdvertiser.com