Hawai'i State Junior Golf Association will launch the inaugural USA Hawai'i-Japan Junior Cup competition Nov. 7 to 11 at Waikoloa Kings' Course. The tournament is scheduled to be an annual fundraising event featuring 36 of the best young players from Hawai'i and the Japan High School Golf Association.

Presenting sponsor is Hilton Grand Vacations. Both golf associations, American Cancer Society and Waikoloa Foundation will be among the charitable organizations to benefit.

Format will be "Ryder Cup style" with individual and team matches. Initial plans call for the event to be held at the Kings' the first two years, followed by an every-other-year rotation between Japan and Hawai'i.

"As the host of this tournament," said HSJGA President Mary Bea Porter-King, "we are pleased that both of the participating organizations will further be able to attain their goals of golf at a minimal cost to juniors, and continue to teach responsibility, develop qualities of leadership and integrity and assist juniors in becoming productive members of the adult community."

Mark Wang, of Hilton Grand Vacations, brought up another point: "This tournament is a great opportunity for these talented young men and women from different cultures to compete in a positive and friendly atmosphere, with the potential of creating long-lasting bonds."

At least 38 HSJGA alumni played on collegiate golf teams the past two years. Most are on some sort of athletic scholarship. Sean Maekawa and Miki Ueoka, who just graduated from Honoka'a and Kaua'i High, will play on scholarship in the fall, at Oregon and Santa Clara.

PRINCEVILLE SITE FOR PLAY GOLF AMERICA

Princeville Makai will be the site of a Play Golf America Day celebration June 28. The nationwide program is designed to introduce new players to the game and encourage current golfers to more fully enjoy the game by improving their skills.

The free event will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and include a Demo Day by top golf equipment companies, food and beverage, clinics and lessons from Aloha Section PGA Professionals from across the state, long drive and short game contests, and prizes and giveaways.

Register online at playgolfamerica.com. For more information, contact Eric Belmonte at Princeville (826-3581 or belmonte@princeville.com).

Princeville will also hold the 2007 Aloha Section Westfield Junior PGA Championship, June 28 and 29.

PEARL JUNIOR OPEN TO BE HELD JULY 23, 24

All "tournament-ready" juniors between the ages of 7 and 18 are invited to play in the Pearl Junior Open, July 23 and 24, at Pearl Country Club. The annual tournament is presented by the O'ahu Junior Golf Association, but golfers do not need to be members to play.

The field is limited to 120 girls and boys. Entry fee is $60. Entry deadline is July 16.

Play begins from 11 a.m. for the first round and 6:30 a.m. for the final round.

NOTES

The 44 Hawai'i golfers who advanced to the Junior World Championships at this week's local qualifier will play July 17 to 20 at San Diego-area courses, including Torrey Pines North and South. There are nine divisions, from 6-under to 15-17. The younger groups play 54 holes, with a 36-hole cut for all but 6-under. The 15s-17s play 72 holes, with a 54-hole cut, and finish July 20.

Deadline to enter the 53rd USGA Senior Amateur Championship is July 18. The Sectional Qualifier will be at Makalei Golf Club, Aug. 6, beginning at 9 a.m. Entry forms and information are at usga.org.