Some of the folks who came to watch Tadd Fujikawa play on Sunday looked like they had never been on a golf course before. They had to be reminded when to be quiet and where they weren't supposed to walk. Nobody busted on them too harshly, though. Everyone was just so excited.

The crowd of 12,900 was 4,000 more than last year, and those extras were there to see Tadd.

And there he was in white pants and lime shirt hacking away and losing his lead, but it didn't really matter. It was disappointing, naturally, because so many hearts were wishing for him to win it all in glorious fashion. But just watching him play felt like an affirmation.

This guy has been through so much.

In a Golf Channel interview after Saturday's brilliant 62 showing, Fujikawa was smiling and warm. The questions were about turning 18 and having such a huge, adoring following. Fujikawa beamed. And then Rich Lerner asked about Fujikawa's father, and you could see his face fall.

"This has been written about in the newspapers this week, and I find it really quite remarkable that you've been able to deal with it — your father Derrick has had problems with drugs and is under indictment at this point for trafficking drugs. I know this has to be a terribly difficult situation for your family. How are things? How have you been able to work through it?"

Fujikawa answered with aplomb:

"You know, Hawai'i has been really supportive, and my family has been OK. We're getting through it together as a family, and you know, everyone goes through tough times, and you work hard, keep your goal in mind. I still have golf and school to worry about, so I'm just focused on that. But I'm OK. I'm really OK. I'm really glad that everyone was thinking about me. All the support really helps."

Yet another reason to root for this guy. He even turned media scrutiny and widespread niele-ness into a positive thing. That is a rare brand of grace.

Here is a kid who never had it easy. He doesn't have the perfect body, the perfect family, or a charmed life like another Hawai'i one-time teen golf phenom.

He has had to deal with hardships and humiliation, and it has not stopped him. It has not stopped this smiling, gentle, fierce competitor.

In this week when we are celebrating the promise of another Hawai'i-born man who did not come from privilege, add Tadd Fujikawa to that elite roster of people who prove it's not what you are or what you have, it's what you do that counts.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.