Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie have an uncanny knack for turning the world of golf on its head. During one week in July, the LPGA is announcing a controversial yet exciting 5th major for it’s struggling Tour, the giddiness of Darren Clarke’s win at The Open held at Royal St. Georges is still being celebrated in Northern Irelands bars (Clarke himself may not have slept yet) and The RBC Canadian Open is about to get underway when, wham, Woods and Wie take the headlines.

Woods made the biggest splash, naturally.

Woods casually announces on his website that it is time for a new beginning and he and Steve Williams are going their separate ways. Bottom line, Woods has fired Williams.

Wham. The raging controversy over whether the LPGA ought to have five major championships,  is silenced.

On that issue, while some argue a 5th major on the LPGA Tour will “dilute” the others and that making “The Evian” is just a PR ploy, I say rubbish.

Traditions have to start some time. And the men have the PGA of America giving them an “organizational” major that the women don’t have. There is no championship sponsored by the PGA of America for women.

So “Hooray” for the company that sees a future with the LPGA Tour, unlike so many sponsors dropping out of the LPGA Tour created in 1950 at a time when many people didn’t think women have any business being in professional sports.  I hope “The Evian” will be on the LPGA schedule in September in Evian-Les-Bains, France, for the next hundred years.

Not even the great Annika Sorenstam gives a hoot whether the new kids on the block have an additional major to win every year giving them an “easier” chance to beat her 10 major record on the LPGA Tour.

STEVE WILLIAMS

Next up, Steve Williams answers the headline banner fest with Woods, getting in a punch of his own. He says he is “shocked” by this announcement and feels like these last two years of his life have been wasted.

Frankly, that seems hardly likely since Williams and Woods had talked about the end of their working relationship several weeks before it all became official.

I’ve found this to be the best interview on the subject. It is of course with Williams because you can’t get Woods, now ranked #20 and falling in the World Rankings, to talk candidly, or at all.

Here is the link to that interview:
http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/golf/5332398/Life-after-Tiger-looking-bright-for-Steve-Williams

On Woods “plunge” down the leaderboard, for the life of me I can’t understand what all the fuss is about. He hasn’t been playing nor playing well nor winning or even placing in the events. Of course Woods is falling in the rankings. The only point I see in bringing it up at all, is the strange way the rankings are calculated and that it took this long for Woods ranking to reflect the actually level of his performance.

MICHELLE WIE

Now for the Michelle Wie headline snatching punch.

Take a close look at the putter Wie is wielding.
Yes, you see correctly. She is using a “long” putter.
Good lord, the pundits cry, she is only 22 years old and resorting to a belly putter?
How sad for such a young player to be taking such drastic steps.

Wie’s father B.J. was quoted in “Global Golf Post” to say it was Michelle’s choice to switch and that “it could be that it suits her better because she is tall. When she is reaching over a shorter putter”, said B.J. “there are days when she doesn’t look comfortable at all.”

At Carnoustie, during Tuesday practice, Wie reportedly was seen to still be using the long putter but she had switched her grip on it. Instead of her hands being split on the grip, her hands were together.

How about just a longer shaft on a regular putter?

TWO WINS FOR AI MIYAZATO AT EVIAN MASTERS

It was a huge win for Ai Miyazato at the Evian Masters in France just a couple weeks ago. All wins are “huge” but this was special. Miyazato and her fellow Japanese players on the LPGA Tour had set up a foundation to help her country recover from the disasters this year.

As she puts it, “it is one of my responsibilities as a professional golfer to go out and play and hopefully to be able to provide hope and courage to the Japanese people.” Some or all of her paycheck from the event will go to her foundation.

Miyazato accomplished what her fellow countryman Ryo Ishikawa was desperately trying to. Win to give his people hope and turn over his income to rebuild his country.

With this second win, Miyazato joins Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam and England’s Laura Davies as a two-time winner. Sweden’s Helen Alfredsson is the only play to have won the title three times.

JAPAN TIES TO HAWAII

The people of Japan and Hawaii have a special relationship. It goes beyond the obvious fact that thousands of Hawaii residents are the children’s children of the Japanese immigrants who came to the Hawaiian islands from Japan and Okinawa less than 200 years ago to work on the sugar plantations. Maybe it’s the “island” cultures that bond.

There are hula troupes based in Japan who come to Hawaii to compete in hula competition and Hawaii singing groups and Hawaiian music are fan favorites in Japan

The connection was obvious in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. Not a day went by in the months following the tsunami without some kind of fundraising effort.
http://www.alohaforjapan.com/

Ai Miyazato made one of her first appearances in Hawaii before she became a global sensation, playing in the Hawaii Pearl Open.

When she played on the LPGA Tour, at the SBS at Turtle Bay, the media center couldn’t accommodate the 60 plus media outlets following her. The ballroom had to be opened and quickly converted into a media center just for the Japanese press corps assigned specifically to cover Miyazato.

KAPALUA TIES WITH MARK ROLFING BROKEN

The Hyundai Tournament of Champions is looking for a new executive director and a new non-profit host charity organization to run the event.

According to sources, the PGA Tour stepped in and told Mark Rolfing, the long time Kapalua resident, that he was not going to run the event in 2012. Rolfing is one of the key players to start the movement to bring professional golf events to Hawaii. 

Rolfing told the Pacific Business News that he knew his foundation would host the event only one year but he said he did not know that his role as organizer would be so short- lived.

PGA Tour Executive Vice President Ty Votaw said he hopes to have the new people, and organization, in their places within the month. Votaw, noting Rolfings other jobs in television, said “Having someone 24/7 in the executive director role, we think, is going to be good for the event.

What about the Hyundai Tournament of Champions staying on Maui, where it generates about 10 million dollars? That’s not clear.

Nancy Cross, the tournament director since 1982 when the tournament was known as the Kapalua Open, said: “That’s a tour question. From what I understand, Hyundai wants to continue, but I’m not sure if that necessarily means here.”

Given the plethora of “luxury” golf destinations, and the hunger the uber rich have for experiencing those destinations, Hawaii has a lot of competition.

HAWAII STATE WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION

Kalani High graduate and James Madison University senior Nicole Sakamoto won the 2011 Hawaii State Women’s Match Play Championship at Oahu Country Club, 2 and 1, over Punahou High School graduate Cyd Okino July 22nd.

When this column is published, they will have teed it up against one another again, only in the Hawaii State Women’s Golf Association’s Stroke Play Championship. Sakamoto entered as the defending champion.

One of the semi-finalists, Valentina Sanmiguel is from Columbia, South America.  She attends James Madison University with Nicole.  She and Nicole have been teammates and roommates for the last 3 years.  She is visiting the Sakamoto’s this summer. Sakamoto defeated Sammiguel 1 UP.

Our other semi-finalist, Kristina Merkle will be returning to the University of Tulsa at summers end. Okino defeated Merkle 4 and 2.

2011 ALOHA SECTION PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Poipu Bay Golf Course hosted the Aloha Section PGA Professional Championship with 40 professionals competing for the lone Sony Open in Hawaii exemptio Eric Dugas n spot and to qualify for the National Professional Championship in June 2012 at the Bayonet/BlackHorse in Seaside, California.

Eric Dugas of Kuki'o Golf and Beach Club made the 36-hole Championship look easy as he cruised to 7-stroke victory shooting (70-67) 7-under 137 claiming the title as the Aloha Section PGA Professional Champion. Dugas is now exempt in the 2012 Sony Open and also entered into the 2012 National Professional Championship. Joining him in the National event are Matt Pakkala of Pukalani Country Club and Kevin Hayashi of Hilo Municipal Golf Course.

Dugas did what 39 others could not do, break par in tough windy Poipu Bay conditions. Dugas is coming off a record eight-stroke win at the recent 2011 Kona Open, where he successfully defended his trophy.

ALOHA SECTION SENIOR PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Brad Bowen, PGA of Elleair Maui Golf Club takes home the championship title at the Aloha Section PGA Senior Professional Championship tournament at Turtle Bay Golf in Kahuku, HI. Bowen needed to make birdie on the final hole of regulation to nudge out David Ishii, PGA of Pearl Country Club for the win and that is exactly what he did. Bowen and Ishii were tied at 3-under par walking off the 17th green where Bowen made a clutch 5 footer for par. Bowen hit a perfect drive on 18 that left him 153 yards into a stiff trade wind. He hit 6 iron to 12 feet and would continue to drain the putt center cup.

Bowen claimed $1,000 for his play at Turtle Bay Golf playing both the Arnold Palmer and George Fazio Course. He will continue on to compete in the 2011 Southworth National PGA Senior Championship later on in the fall. Joining him are three other qualifiers; Jay Taise, PGA of Hapuna Golf Course, Lance Taketa, PGA of Hilo Muncipal Golf Course, and Craig Sasada of Poipu Bay Golf Course.

Brad Bowen was the youngest in the field as he just turned 50 on Sunday to make him eligible in the event. Happy Birthday Brad, our 2011 Aloha Section PGA Senior Professional Champion.
 

2011 KONA OPEN
by Lee Hardy

Eric Dugas successfully defended his Kona Open title in fine fashion by posting a low score, breaking the tournament record and having some fun. Armed with a new approach toward his golf game, Dugas scorched the Kona Country Club’s Ocean Course with a sizzling 8-under 64 today for a new tournament record of 13-under par.

Eight shots back was professional Garrett Okamura (71-68) who finished in solo second at 5-under par 139, while Hunter Larson (72-72) placed third at even-par 144. Tied for 4th place are professional Kevin Hayashi (68-77) and Chris Igawa (70-75). Igawa claimed low amateur honors with a 4-stroke victory over Maui’s Andre Bedard (73-76) and Oahu’s Tyler Ota (72-77).

Hilo’s Galvin Fujii (79-79) 158 won the A-Flight squeezing out a 2-stroke victory over Alan Kim (79-81) 161.

Dugas opened up his final round by birdieing four of the first five holes to move to 9-under par. “After having a really good start, it freed me up to just keep playing solid” Dugas said. “Playing with Kevin and those guys also helped. They keep the round upbeat.”

Dugas made two trips around the golf course without a single bogey en route to the record-setting feat. He credits a change on his game’s outlook a few weeks ago during a recent trip to the East Coast and it has paid off tremendously.

“I just got away from swing mechanics and got back on the course and started playing”, said Dugas. “Just play and have fun—and enjoy the game. I played with a bunch of my buddies and they’re all sticks. We all just had a good time.”

Dugas, a professional at the Kukio Golf & Beach Club, won four- thousand dollars for this weekend’s effort from the fifteen-thousand dollar purse. Igawa won a set of Ping I-15 irons. Both golfers were very appreciative of the hard work the Kona Country Club staff put into this year’s championship.

“Many thanks go out to Mike Yukon (Kona Country Club’s General Manager) and his crew for getting the golf course in top shape” said Igawa. “And to Peggy Ciriako (Tournament Director) and her staff for all the work behind the scenes to make this tournament a success” Dugas said. “We are very happy to have the Kona Open back on the rotation here on our island.”

US WOMEN’S AMATEUR SECTIONAL QUALIFIER

On the Big Island, the island of Hawaii, at the Waikoloa King’s Course, Kristina Merkle of Honolulu won medalist honors and qualified for the US Women’s Amateur Championship at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, Rhode Island. 

The second qualifier came all the way from the Philippines. Sarah Ababa of Lipa City will also represent at the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

Hawaii’s Britney Yada and Allisen Corpuz are the first and second alternates.

Conditions were ideal at the beautiful Waikoloa Golf Resort Kings’ Course.  Sunny skies with a light breeze prevailed throughout the day.  The course was in excellent condition for this prestigious event, one of close to 20 qualifiers held around the United States.

US MEN’S AMATUER SECTIONAL QUALIFIER

Donnie Hopoi of Aiea is going to the US Men’s Amateur at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin. Bradley Shigezawa is the first alternate, with Sean Maekawa second.

HURRY!

Deadline to register for the U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier is August 3, 2011 and August 10 for the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier. The Mid-Am Qualifier will be conducted on August 21 at Wailea Old Blue on Maui. The U.S. Mid-Am on August 29 at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club on Oahu. All eligible players participate. The more that enter, the more Hawaii players go to the Championship! www.USGA.org

100 HOLES OF GOLF – REMEMBER?

If you accept this challenge, you will play 100 holes of golf, all in one day, one ball, one hole at a time.  It’s a hot, long day and of course it’s for a good cause.

The goal of PGA Golf Day is to raise $10,000 through participation in playing 100 holes in one day. Seventy percent of the money raised will be given to the Aloha Section PGA Foundation and thirty percent will be given back to the ASPGA Japan Tsunami Relief Fund or a charity of the golfer’s choice.

So far, the participants have committed to play 100 holes of golf starting in the early morning of Monday, August 29, 2011 at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. They include the Executive Director of the Aloha Section PGA Executive Director, the Board of Directors and Lance Taketa, Eddie Lee, Scott Ashworth and many more . They will begin at 6:12 am and play each hole at about 8 minutes per hole to finish before sunset. 

We are asking you to support the Aloha Section PGA golfers as they complete the 100 holes challenge. Donations of $.50, $1, $2, $5 or anything per hole can be made for each golfer. Visit  http://www.pgagolfday.com/ and click on Aloha to make your donation or for more information. 

If you would like to play in PGA Golf Day please contact the Aloha Section PGA office at (808) 593-2230 or email aloha@pgahq.com .

Larry Stubblefield did this for years on Maui. Every year he would play 100 holes in a day to raise money for charity. Just do it!

MY FAVORITE STORY SO FAR – CLARKE WINS THE OPEN

Have you heard it said there is one more major moment in a late stages of a champion’s life? I figure who is to say when that one more ends. I’m going to drag it out as long as I have the will to win, in whatever arena I find myself.

Darren Clarke figured it was all over for him in the months before The Open in July. Clarke had just about given up the game of golf. And then he goes and wins The Open at Royal St. Georges in England.

So the message for you:  Don’t give up when everything seems to be going wrong. Just give it a chance to go right again.

And why are there so many major champions coming out of this little country of Northern Ireland?

I love links golf. There’s something about the wide-open space and the feeling that the golf course is part of my home, my village, my community. The course is not something I go to, it’s something that is part of me – it’s a walk in the park. I like that kind of golf.

See you “on top” the radio. (That’s how we say it in Hawaii.)

Thank you for your Mana and may you hit the sweet spot every time,

Danielle

PS You can hear “The Golf Club” radio show online at http://www.radiogolfclub.com/ or on one of these fine radio stations:
It’s “The Golf Club” show every Saturday morning at 7 AM on KGU FM 99.5 FM and KGU AM 760 AM on Oahu, KONI FM 104.7 on Maui, KTOH 99.9 FM on Kauai and on KPUA AM 670 in Hilo.