Honolulu's Stephanie Kono led a group of five Hawai'i golfers to advance to match play competition in the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links tournament yesterday at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wis.

The top 64 scores from a field of 156 advanced and among them were Kono, Kimberly Kim, Kristina Merkle, Mari Chun and Kellie Nakashima.

Those from Hawai'i who missed the cut were Cyd Okino, Xyra Suyetsugu, Allisen Corpuz and Kelcie Kawano.

Kono, a recent Punahou School graduate, shot even-par 73 yesterday for a two-round stroke-play total of 3-over 149, tied for sixth overall.

Lizette Salas of Azusa, Calif., and Katie Kempter of Albuquerque, N.M., shared medalist honors with 2-under 144.

Kim, a former Big Island resident, tied for 21st after shooting 6-over 79 for a 7-over 153 total. Merkle, the state high school champion from Moanalua High, tied for 36th at 81—157 and Chun tied for 45th at 80—158.

Nakashima made the cut on the number with a 79 for a two-round total of 14-over 160. She held on through an eight-way playoff for the final seven spots.

Mina Harigae became the first defending champion to miss the cut when she shot 81—161.

Merkle had a celebrity caddie Sunday and Monday. Former Sony Open in Hawai'i champion Jerry Kelly drove from his home in Madison, Wis., to caddie for her after making a promise three years ago during Pro-Junior Challenge at Waialae Country Club.

"She was great," said Kelly, who had to cut his caddie duties short so he can play the PGA Tour event this week. "I told her it was like me playing a video game out there. I'd just tell her how far it was and the line to hit on and she just hit it right there."

When asked how many shots Kelly saved her, Merkle responded: "A lot. A hundred. He's an awesome caddie. He kept me laughing, he kept me calm and focused on the golf course."

Merkle plays Jennifer Song, low amateur at last year's U.S. Women's Open, in today's first round of match play. Song is headed to USC.

Also yesterday, Okino shot 79—163 (tied for 78th); Suyetsugu, 84—166 (tied for 89th); Corpuz, 88—169 (tied for 114th); Kawano, 84—173 (tied for 132nd).

Corpuz, at 10 years and three months, was the youngest in history to qualify for a USGA event. Michelle Wie was previously the youngest, at 10 years, 7 months in 2000. Wie, Punahou graduate, won this in 2003 and was second in 2004.

The second and third rounds will be played tomorrow, quarterfinals and semifinals Friday, and the 36-hole final Saturday.