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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, February 7, 2009

Fujikawa gains 2 more exemptions

Advertiser Staff

Tadd Fujikawa's second sensational Sony Open in Hawai'i showing in three years has already paid dividends.

The Moanalua High School senior accepted sponsor's exemptions into two more PGA Tour events yesterday. He will play in the $5.6 million Honda Classic on March 5 to 8 in Florida and the $3.5 million Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular the following weekend.

Fujikawa, 18, played the Honda Classic last year, missing the cut with rounds of 78 and 76.

Last month at Sony he made his first PGA Tour cut since turning pro at age 16, then shot a 62 to burst into contention.

He ultimately finished 32nd to earn his largest paycheck ($29,237). Two years ago, as an amateur, he was 20th at Sony, becoming the youngest in 50 years to make a tour cut. At 15, he was the youngest in history to qualify for the U.S. Open.

The Puerto Rican tournament is played the same week as the World Golf Championships CA Championship at Doral, which will severely weaken the field, but improve Fujikawa's chances.