Youth Golfers Shine at Hawaii Regional Qualifier
News Summary
The Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier held at Four Seasons Hualalai Golf Course in Hawaii showcased the skills of 108 young golfers aged 7 to 15. The competition involved three challenging events: driving, chipping, and putting, with winners advancing to the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. Local players excelled, with mentorship from PGA Professionals highlighting the importance of community support. The event not only promoted youth involvement in golf but also emphasized Hawaiian culture and hospitality, leaving participants and their families with unforgettable memories.
Youth Golfers Shine at Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier in Hawaii
What a spectacular day it was at the recently held Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier! Enthusiastic young golfers aged 7 to 15 gathered at the beautiful Four Seasons Hualalai Golf Course, tucked away in the stunning landscape of Hawaii. With Aloha Spirit radiating all around, the event welcomed 108 talented kids and their families for an unforgettable experience.
A Test of Skills and Precision
The competitors showcased their skills in three exciting challenges: driving, chipping, and putting. Each participant attempted a total of nine shots spread across the engaging 16th, 17th, and 18th holes, scoring points based on their performance. It was a tense and thrilling competition, with young athletes displaying remarkable precision and talent!
Dreams of Augusta National
One of the coolest aspects of this event is that it serves as a stepping stone for these young champions! The top scorer in each of the eight age divisions would earn the chance to compete in the National Finals on April 5, 2026, at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club. For many local competitors, this is a dream come true!
Spotlight on Local Talent
Wesley Wailehua, who heads up the Aloha Section of the PGA, emphasized how crucial PGA Professionals are in inspiring these young athletes. Their mentorship can make a world of difference! This year, the competition saw four local players secured spots in the National Finals—a significant improvement from last year when no one from the region qualified. These young talents included Mie Funakoshi, Lucy Cui, Charlie Bourne, and Shane Murphy, all of whom were ecstatic about their achievement.
Aloha Hospitality Shines Bright
Bringing a touch of traditional Hawaiian culture to the event, a welcome dinner was organized where competitors and their families could come together and experience the warmth of Aloha hospitality. It was a wonderful opportunity for participants to bond and enjoy the rich culture of Hawaii.
Thrilling Competition and Memorable Moments
Who doesn’t love a good playoff? The competition was filled with excitement, particularly in the Girls 7-9 division, where a thrilling tiebreaker saw Audrey Zhang take the win over Queenie Gao with an impressive 15-foot putt. Talk about nail-biting moments!
Vincent Cuevas, hailing from California, took the crown in the Boys 10-11 division, fulfilling his lifelong ambition of competing at Augusta National. Meanwhile, Landyn Kelly from Nevada celebrated his victory in the Boys 7-9 division, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his supportive family for cheering him on every step of the way.
Aloha Pride and Natural Beauty
The atmosphere buzzed with pride as each finalist expressed excitement about representing Hawaii on a national stage. Competitors reflected on the stunning natural beauty surrounding them, emphasizing how special it was to share their culture with visiting players. Participating in this regional qualifier offered Hawaiian youth a unique chance to shine and show off their golfing skills.
Looking Ahead
The Aloha Section hopes to bring this event back to Hawaii in the future, continuing to inspire young golfers and promote the sport among youth. This truly was a memorable day for everyone involved, showcasing the bright future of golf in the region and highlighting how much local talent has to offer.
As these young golfers gear up for the National Finals, one thing is certain–the future of golf looks incredibly promising. With passion, determination, and of course, the Aloha Spirit, who knows what these amazing athletes will achieve next?
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