Ernie Els' new course, Hoakalei, will be the first on O'ahu to use Seadwarf seashore paspalum turfgrass, a salt-tolerant, environmentally friendly grass.

The course is Els' first signature 18-hole championship layout in Hawai'i, at the Ocean Pointe community in 'Ewa Beach. Hoakalei will play nearly 7,400 yards from the tips, making it the longest here.

Grading of the west nine has been completed, with grassing expected to start in June. Els describes the Seadwarf as "a fine-textured, warm-season turfgrass." He says its "tighter knit" allows faster green speeds than other varieties of paspalum.

The grass is environmentally friendly because it requires about half as much water and 75 percent less fertilization, according to the South African golf star. It can be irrigated with brackish or reclaimed water. Seawater can be used under the right conditions.

"This is a win/win solution because it can save time and money and contribute to a cleaner environment by putting fewer chemicals into the ecosystem," Els said.

Completion of the course is expected in 2009.

NOTES

There is still room for players, volunteers and donations for Hawai'i Pacific's inaugural fundraising tournament for its men's golf team. It will be held at Pearl Country Club Tuesday, with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Format is three-person scramble. Contact coach Greg Gibbs (590-5111, ggibbs@campus.hpu.edu).

Redemption Academy grad Sami Freitas of Kailua will play in the www.progolfevents.com Las Vegas stop the end of this month. Freitas golfed for Saddleback Junior College last year.