Former state high school champion Sean Maekawa, out of Honoka'a, won the 85th Big Island Amateur Sunday at Mauna Lani. It was the first time Maekawa, about to begin his sophomore year at University of Oregon, played the event.

Maekawa opened with rounds of 70 and 69, then closed with a 73 for a total of 4-under-par 212. He won by seven shots over three-time champion Gabriel Wilson, from Hilo. Andrew Ackert took third, another eight shots back. Max Bonk (76-228) was fourth.

The top three players all shot 73 Sunday, to share low-round honors.

"We look forward to seeing many more championships from Sean," said Ross Birch, Director of Golf Sales & Retail for Mauna Lani's Francis H. I'I Brown Golf Courses. "With very steady play and his ability to make multiple birdies, we will see his name around the top of the leader board every time."

Jim Sheeley won A Flight at 77-235, which would have given him a share of sixth in the Championship Flight.

The Big Island Amateur began in 1924 at Hilo Country Club and has called Mauna Lani Resort home the past five years. It is one of the oldest amateur golf competitions west of the Mississippi.