At the Waialae Country Club last weekend, it wasn't just local boy makes good. It was local boy makes history.

With a broad smile, and a wicked uppercut that punctuated every birdie putt (including a mean 47-footer on Saturday), Tadd Fujikawa, 16, golfed his way into the hearts of many as he became the youngest player to make the cut of a PGA tournament in 50 years.

The 5-foot-1-inch golfer was an inspiration to duffers and nonduffers alike. Though he had made headlines last year by qualifying for the U.S. Open at age 15, Fujikawa was a mere overlooked local amateur playing last weekend among the world's best golfers.

Besides, there was another notable teenager at the Sony, Michelle Wie, whose early career has been all about her youth, gender and prodigious talent.

Put together, Wie's promising career has come with enormous pressure, complete with an entourage and corporate handlers. Flying under the radar, Fujikawa was simply out there enjoying himself. On the range, before and after a round, he played the game not like a job, but like something he truly enjoyed.

It was infectious, as throngs of fans followed his every move.

None of us who saw him live or watched him on television will soon forget his confident but amiable demeanor strolling down the fairway.

But let's not forget that Fujikawa is just 16. After making history last weekend, he has a history paper due today at Moanalua High School.

Let's hope he doesn't rush things. Fujikawa is assured of many more weekends to make history, especially if he continues to develop as a player and a person naturally, free from the pressure and expectations that can kill not just his gift for golf, but that charming sense of innocence golf fans found so refreshing.