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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, October 24, 2009

Mason a medalist; Fujikawa on bubble


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Leilehua alum Nick Mason has advanced while Moanalua High alum Tadd Fujikawa remains in contention at the PGA Tour Qualifying's First Stage held over numerous courses on the Mainland.

Mason, a University of Hawai'i-Hilo graduate, shot his second consecutive 4-under-par 68 to win the First Stage in McKinney, Texas. The reigning Hawai'i State Open champion finished with a 10-under 278 to win the stage by two shots.

At the qualifying stage at St. Johns Golf & Country Club in St. Augustine, Fla., Fujikawa, 18, could not overcome two double bogeys en route to a 2-over 74. His three-round total is 3-under 213, which is tied for 22nd place. The top 22 after today's final round will advance to the Second Stage.

PGA Tour qualifying has two stages of 72-hole tournaments before the final qualifying in December, which is 108 holes. A predetermined number of players from each First Stage advance to the Second Stage — and from the second to the final, which is at Bear Lakes in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Fujikawa had double bogeys on the first and ninth hole and bogeys on the 11th and 17th. He had four birdies.

At Dayton Valley Country Club in Dayton, Nev., former Warrior Matt Kodama shot a third-round 1-under 71 for a 6-under 210 total and is tied for 35th.

At Port St. Lucie, Fla., former Warrior Pierre-Henri Soero shot even-par 72 for an even-par 216 total and is tied for 39th.

At The Auburn University Club in Alabama, Chad Saladin, the 2004 Hawai'i State Open champ, shot his third consecutive 2-over-74 for a 6-over 222 total and is tied for 44th.

Except for Auburn, where 21 advance, the top 22 from each stage advance to Second Stage.