Kahuku High School's golf teams received $3,000 from the North Shore Youth Athletic Foundation. The money will be used for expenses, including shirts, balls and bags. This is the third year the foundation has helped the Red Raiders. Turtle Bay Golf also provides complimentary access to practice and play along with professional instruction.

Created in 2006, the NSYAF is a 501c3 organization that "promotes fair play, teamwork, and life skills through sport while developing young men and women both physically and mentally." It offers financial assistance, equipment donations, seminars and scholarships.

For more information on the foundation, contact Turtle Bay Director of Golf Matthew Hall at TurtleBayGolf@hawaii.rr.com or 293-8574. More information can be found at NSYAF.com.

THE RIGHT FIT

April is the third annual PGA Free Fitting & Trade-Up Month. Golfers are encouraged to "Trade Up to More Distance" at participating facilities nationwide. PGA Professionals will provide free 15-minute equipment fitting sessions to help golfers — regardless of skill level — trade-up to more distance by determining proper fit.

The PGA of America teams with Golf Digest, the PGA Trade-In Network and the PGA.com Value Guide to sponsor the promotion. Participating facilities are authorized PGA Trade-In Network members, allowing golfers to trade up to new, fitted golf clubs more affordably by accepting their used golf club trade-ins at fair market values.

In Hawai'i, free fittings are available at Ko Olina, Mid-Pacific Country Club (members only), Roger Dunn in Kane'ohe, Mililani Golf Club, Pure Golf Academy and Ke'alohi Par 3 at Hickam.

THREESOMES SOUGHT

Amateur golfers in Hawai'i can register for one of eight PGA McGladrey Team Championship local qualifying events, beginning April 12. Teams can register online (PGA.com/teamchampionship) for the second annual national championship, which features a three-person best-ball format and is managed and operated by PGA of America.

The PGA McGladrey Team National Championship is Oct. 20 to 22 at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort. Local qualifiers advance to 41 Section Championships, conducted through September. Those have four-player teams, including a PGA professional.

Aloha Section local qualifiers are: April 12 at Princeville; April 26 at Makalei; May 1 at Ko Olina; May 8 at Makena; May 31 at Kaua'i Lagoons; June 21 at Ka'anapali; July 12 at Kahili and July 26 at Kapalua Bay.

MANELE LEADS WAY

Nine Hawai'i resorts appear in the 20th anniversary of Golf magazine's "Best Resorts Awards." Honors were given to the 75 "greatest destinations in North America" and appear in the April issue. This is the first time golfers became part of the process by voting online, with more than 8,000 contributing.

The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay is the only Hawai'i resort included on the new Platinum list, made up of the 10 resorts judged "the upper echelon of golf properties that excel in course design and playability while providing luxurious accommodations."

The magazine also created a Green list, an honor given to the 10 "best eco-friendly destinations that have placed a serious emphasis on resource conservation and protection." Mauna Lani and Kapalua are included there.

Four Seasons Hualalai and Lodge at Koele (Lana'i), Kapalua, Grand Wailea, Mauna Lani and Princeville all earned a place on the Gold list. Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, and Hilton Waikoloa Village are on the Silver list. Awards were based on golf, lodging, food and drink and service.

NOTES

More than $38,000 was raised at the Aloha Section PGA's 32nd annual PGA Classic at Turtle Bay Resort. AIG Hawai'i sponsored the event, which drew 240 players. This tournament is the Aloha Section PGA Foundation's primary fundraiser.

The Dave Shoji Invitational Golf Tournament returns May 1 at Leilehua. Format is modified three-person scramble. Cost is $175 per player. The tournament raises funds for Rainbow Wahine volleyball's summer tuition assistance program and transportation to spring tournaments, among other things. Call associate head coach Mike Sealy (956-2506) for registration forms and more information.