The Hawai'i State Junior Golf Association is accepting membership applications for 2009. Membership is open to male and female junior golfers who are between the ages of 7 and 18, have not entered college and demonstrate a basic understanding of the game.

Annual membership fee is $35. Members get a handbook, one-year USGA Junior Membership, college workshops, instructional clinics, rules workshops, 2009 Rules of Golf, bag tag (one, when joining the HSJGA), GHIN handicap (donated by the HSGA and USGA) and participation in the HSJGA's activities and programs.

For additional information about membership applications or upcoming tournaments, visit www.hsjga.org or contact Landon Peeren at 532-0559 or hsjgaoffice@gmail.com.

HILO INVITATIONAL

DENVER PRO MASON RETURNS TO DEFEND TITLE

The 12th annual Hilo Invitational Pro-Am and tournament will be Feb. 20 to 22. Professional Nick Mason, who now lives in Denver, is defending champion after winning by six shots last year. Mason, a former University of Hawai'i-Hilo player, tied the course record of 8-under 63 in his opening round, matching PGA Tour player Dean Wilson's score in 2002.

Mason also won last year's Hawai'i State Open.

The Pro-Am begins at 11 a.m. Feb. 20, with the first round starting at 7 a.m. the following day and the final round teeing off from 8 a.m. Feb. 22.

Entry forms are available at the Hilo Muni pro shop and can be downloaded at www.808golf.com and www.aloha.pga.com.

For more information, call Kevin Hayashi (808-895-4300) or Lance Taketa (808-987-2971).

SEMINARS

USGA REP TO DISCUSS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

Handicapping seminars led by a USGA representative will be held on Maui (Makena Resort) Feb. 23, the Big Island (Waikoloa Resort) Feb. 25 and O'ahu (Pearl Country Club) Feb. 27.

Seminars will focus on the 2008-2011 USGA Handicap System. There will be discussions and solutions to common situations and a review of the role the Handicap Committee plays.

The half-day seminars are an effort to educate golfers of all levels and assist authorized golf associations with the USGA Handicap System Licensing Program for Clubs. The Licensing Program is required for all clubs that issue a USGA Handicap Index to members.

Part of the licensing process includes meeting Club Compliance Checklist items, which include attending a handicap seminar and passing the quiz. Any club representative can complete this requirement on behalf of a golf club.

Registration is available at handicapping.usga.org. For more information, call the Hawai'i State Golf Organization (589-2909).

NOTES

Kapalua's Morgan Pressel is featured on the next Golf Hawai'i show, which premieres Monday, at 2:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., on The Golf Channel. Host Mark Rolfing will interview Pressel, visit Kapalua Resort and look at Phil Mickelson at the '08 Tour Championship. Mark's View editorial segment focuses on Aloha Season event dates. The show will re-air Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday at 10 a.m., and next Friday at 12:30 p.m.