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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, June 4, 2009

Fujikawa joins Hall of Famers in Maui Open

 •  Time to turn pro for NAIA champion Cyr


Advertiser Staff

A group of Hawai'i Golf Hall of Famers and Tadd Fujikawa will be on Maui this weekend for the Kahili Maui Open. Fujikawa, an 18-year-old pro, is a senior at Moanalua High School.

Maui Open dates back to 1952, when the first "Maui Invitational" was played at Maui Country Club. Hall of Famer Jimmy Ukauka won it from 1953 to '58, then lost a playoff with Guinea Kop — another Hall of Famer — the following year.

A string of champions who would later be inducted into the Hall of Fame followed, including Ted Makalena, Paul Scodeller, Art Fujita, Allan Yamamoto, Morgan Fottrell, Masa Kaya, David "Bones" Bettencourt, Lance Suzuki, Dick McClean and David Ishii.

The tournament was revived last year after a five-year absence, and won by Maui pro Darren Summers. This year an "A" flight has been added for amateurs with a handicap index of 15.4 or less.

Ishii and Larry Stubblefield, inducted in 2003, are in this year's field, which also includes Kevin Hayashi, Andrew Feldman, Kevin Carll and Brian Sasada. Amateurs include Max Bonk, Alika Bell, Taeksoo Kim and Desiree Ting.

The Pro-Am is tomorrow. Golfers go out from 6:38 a.m. for Saturday's first round and Sunday's final round.

Pros are playing for a $15,000 purse, with the winner getting $3,000. Amateurs play for $3,000 in merchandise certificates.

KA'ANAPALI CATERS TO JUNIORS

Ka'anapali Golf Resort has started its annual Juniors Play Free-Bring the Ohana program. One junior golfer (age 7 to 17) can play or ride for free daily until Sept. 30, when accompanied by a paying adult on the Ka'anapali Kai Course.

A fifth set of tees has been designed specifically for kids, with the par-71 layout at 2,459 yards.

Ka'anapali will also be offering a Summer Junior Golf Program. The three-week session starts June 23 and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays for three weeks. The cost is $60 and includes instruction, weekly gift, snacks and a parent/junior tournament. Sessions will be 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the driving range.

Advance registration is required. Call 661-3691 or visit http://www.kaanapaligolfresort.com.

ULTIMATE CHALLENGE ON MAUI

The Royal Ka'anapali course is one of 40 U.S. sites that will host the BMW Ultimate Golf Challenge Aug. 22. There are Men's A, Men's B and Ladies flights. Overall low net winners in each flight play in the 2009 BMW Golf Cup U.S. Final, Sept. 24 to 27 in at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

Winners at Pinehurst get an expense-paid trip to the BMW Golf Cup International tournament. Last year it was in Buenos Aires.

The $400 entry fee includes dinner and wine tasting Aug. 21, a night at Sheraton Maui, a Callaway Golf gift worth $120 and tee gift. Entry deadline is July 24. For information, call 808-357-7248 or e-mail mludwig@kaanapaligolfresort.com.

The tournament benefits Starwish, a fundraising program of the Sheraton Maui, and other local charities.

JUNE IS WOMEN'S MONTH

This month will be the fifth anniversary of American Express Women's Golf Month. In its first four years, more than 105,000 people across the country have been introduced or re-introduced to the game.

Participating facilities will offer free golf instruction to players 14 and older, as well as activities such as networking receptions, golf rules and etiquette seminars, club fitting and equipment demonstrations, golf apparel fashion shows, luncheons, playing experiences, and contests. Each activity is designed to provide a fun and inviting atmosphere.

Hawai'i facilities participating are: Dunes at Maui Lani (808-873-0422 or an gulo@maui.net); Kapalua Golf Academy (808-665-5455 or jerry.king@kapalua.com); Kaua'i Lagoons (808-241-6000 or kendric.kimizuka@marriottgolf.com); Kiahuna (808-742-9295 or matorry@hotmail.com), and; Ko Olina (676-5300 or daniel.hee@koolina.com).

Ko Olina will feature a Women's Golf Clinic and Wine Tasting Wednesday. The one-hour clinic begins at 3 p.m. and is followed by a one-hour wine tasting that includes food from Roy's. The Cost is $50, or $35 without the clinic.

Registration, at http://www.playgolfamerica.com, is required to participate.

NOTES

"Waikoloa Family Golf Days" runs through July 31 at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island. Golfing families of all skill levels can play nine holes any day, after 3 p.m., for $50 per adult and $25 per junior (17-under). Cost includes green fees, cart and rental clubs for juniors. Adult clubs are $25.

The Hawai'i Golf Representatives Association will have a Sample Sale from 9 a.m. to noon next Saturday (June 13) at the Washington Middle School Cafeteria (1633 S. King St.). Golf shirts, shoes and equipment will be featured.