Through the Green, February 2007, Vol
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8– Through the Green, February 2007, Vol. 6 2006 DSIF College Scholarships Awarded Through the Green Four Hawaii high school golfers were awarded $2,500 David S. Ishii Foundation scholarships in 2006. They are (from left) Brittany Johnston, DAVID S. ISHII FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER graduate of Waiakea High School, Ahromi ISSUE NO. 6 FEBRUARY 2 0 0 7 Wang of Pearl City High School, Shunsuke Aonuma of Iolani School, and Ryan Sasaki of Education Laboratory School. Johnston will DSIF Travel Stipends Help Young Players be attending Linfield College, Wang will be attending UCLA, Aonuma will be attending Broaden Their Horizons Dartmouth College, Sasaki will be attending Willamette University. Note: One of the ways School on the Big Island, that the David S. Ishii Foun- and Kua, a 16-year-old dation (DSIF) supports junior at Kamehameha - How to Apply junior golfers in Hawaii is by Kapalama, finished 1st and Recipients of the 2006 DSIF scholarship were recognized at the DSIF defraying part of the travel 2nd, respectively, to capture Hawaii high school seniors graduating in the tournament banquet held at Pearl Country Club. cost to attend the Boys U.S. the two spots available 2006-2007 academic school year who have Junior Amateur Champi- via the two-day qualfier demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, were active members of their high school golf teams, and plan on at- onships. The value of this at the Turtle Bay Resort’s tending college full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university are eligible to apply for the 2007 DSIF Scholarship. program is evident in the Palmer Course. Fujikawa, Students can obtain application forms by first checking with their school athletic director or college guidance counselor. letters submitted by two of a 16-year-old sophomore Or, students may submit their request to: DSIF Scholarship Fund Committee, P.O. Box 2927, Aiea, HI 96701-2927. Deadline this year’s participants, T.J. at Moanalua High School, Kua and Sean Maekawa. for completed application and materials is April 30, 2007. earned his way into the field For more information about by virtue of having qualified the DSIF U.S. Junior Ama- (L-R): T.J. Kua and Sean Maekawa at the 2006 Boys Junior for the 2006 U.S. Open. teur Travel Stipend, see U.S. Amateur Tournament held at the Rancho Sante Fe Only 256 out of well page 7. Country Club, California. over 3,000 of the best junior golfers in the world made T.J. Kua will never forget his first impression of the it to Rancho Santa Fe. Of the elite field of 256, only Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California. “I was blown 64 made it past the medal rounds to enter the match away by the venue!” Kua writes. “A nice course along play portion of the competition. Impressively, all three with a great practice facility and clubhouse – what more players from Hawaii made it to the match play round could you ask for?” of 64! Kua, Sean Maekawa and “The number of spectators, Tadd Fujikawa comprised the “Participating in such an awe- coaches and college coaches I group of three Hawaii golfers who saw was the most I have seen at played in the prestigious U.S.G.A. some event...has allowed me all the tournaments I have played Junior Amateur Championships in to become a better golfer and in combined,” Kua explains. “I felt July 2006. person.” – Sean Maekawa like I was participating in a tourna- Like Kua, Maekawa was also ment on tour.” impressed by what he saw and Managing to handle their ner- experienced at Rancho Santa Fe. “The (course) was Permit No. 17 No. Permit vousness at this early age is an invaluable learning in terrific condition!” Maekawa reports. “Many of the experience for these young men. To perform so well Aiea, Hawaii Aiea, volunteers who worked this tournament are members under pressure is a testament to their character and U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Aiea, Hawaii 96701 Hawaii Aiea, of the Rancho Sante Fe Golf Club. They made us feel maturity. Organization P.O. Box 2927 Box P.O. very comfortable with their kind hospitality. I feel very “The intensity of the tournament stepped my ner- Non-Profit David S. Ishii Foundation Ishii S. David fortunate to have played there.” vousness up to another level. It was good to feel it so Maekawa, a 17-year-old senior at Honokaa High See “U.S. Junior Amateur,” continued on page 7 2 – Through the Green, February 2007, Vol. 6 Through the Green, February 2007, Vol. 6 – 7 “U.S. Junior Amateur,” Continued from Page 1 Just Watch Who You’re I could learn to handle it during other mendous,” Kua concludes. I am really David S. Ishii tournaments,” Kua describes. “I felt at looking forward to qualifying again next ease after the first round and settled year, especially because the qualify- Foundation Calling 'Junior' in nicely, shooting 1-under to qualify ing site is at my home course, Wailua P.O. Box 2927 Aiea, Hawaii 96701 for match play.” Municipal Golf Course. At this moment, Maekawa also learned a lot about By David S. Ishii I feel confident that I will play well in himself by his participation. “I can the upcoming years, especially with the David S. Ishii Foundation Officers say that I used to be very scared to experience I had at the U.S.G.A. Junior David Ishii: President ne of the most gratifying things about be- go up to the mainland to compete, Amateur Championship.” Lorraine Ishii: Vice President ing associated with junior golfers is that because I thought that kids from the Maekawa agrees, “Participating in Fay Nagata: Treasurer you are able to see the growth and devel- mainland were just way better than I such an awesome event has allowed me Board of Directors Oopment of Hawaiiʼs young, up-and-coming talent. was,” Maekawa admits. “...I realized to discover more things about the game David Ishii: Chair There has always been a new crop of promising that all golfers, no matter what age of golf as well as myself and has allowed Warren Haruki: Vice Chair young players on the local scene, but I donʼt think Tadd Fujikawa wowed the or level, are just people and there’s Sean Maekawa (808Golf Photo) me to become a better golfer and per- Allan Ikawa anyone would argue with me if I say that we are Lorraine Ishii golf world with his amazing no reason to feel inferior to anyone. son. I truly appreciate the David S. Ishii Ann Miller currently witnessing an extraordinary – possibly performance at the 2007 So, having that kind of mindset has Foundation for giving me this opportunity Sony Open. (808Golf Photo) Neal Okamoto even once in a lifetime – group of young players helped me to feel better about myself to share my overall experience and for Elton Tanaka make their mark both locally and nationally. when competing in different places and the support that it has offered.” Tracy Tanji The first Hawaii teen to grab worldwide attention was Michelle Wie, who tournaments.” Wendell Tom turned professional in October 2005 at the age of 15. Now 17, Michelle has Allan Yamamoto Both Kua and Maekawa say they Note: Fujikawa is also eligible to compiled a long list of “firsts” and continues to make news wherever she plays. learned enduring life lessons as well apply to the DSIF for a Boys U.S. Junior Honorary Director Recently, Moanalua High School sophomore Tadd Fujikawa captured the as great memories of their experience Amateur travel stipend. At that time, he GEN Eric K. Shinseki hearts of golf fans everywhere when he made the cut at the Sony Open. At age at the 2006 Boys U.S. Junior Amateur will also be submitting a narrative report Golf Tournament 16, Tadd became the youngest player to make the cut at a PGA Tour event in 50 Championships. on his experiences – just as Kua and Elton Tanaka: Director years. Nor was this Taddʼs only time in the national spotlight, as he had already “Overall, the whole experience of Maekawa have – as well as a summary David Ishii: Advisor made history by becoming the youngest player to ever qualify for the U.S. qualifying and being there was tre- T.J. Kua (808Golf Photo) of his travel expenses. Open at the age of 15. Tournament Committee In spite of his success, Tadd has plenty of competition amongst his age group Dayton Asato, Marilyn Chinen, Misty Gier, Arnold Hiura, Eloise Hiura, here at home. Amongst his chief challengers is reigning boys state high school Scholarships Honoring Gee the schoolʼs newswriting program and a member of the Colan Ishii, Lorraine Ishii, Danny Lau, Ann champion Chan Kim from Kaimuki High School and Sean Maekawa from golf team. Cachero attends the University of Hawaii at Miller, Fay Nagata, Neal Okamoto, Bill Honokaa High School, amongst other very talented “young guns.” and Ito Get Assist from DSIF Manoa. Sato, Steve Shishido, Wendell Tom, I once had the opportunity to play with the 6-foot, 2-inch Chan, who hits the Allan Yamamoto, Guy Yamamoto, ball a very long way. Chan told me that Tadd at 5-feet, 1-inch tall is about as Pauline Yanagisawa, Rudy Yanagisawa, The memory of longtime Honolulu sportswriters Bill Chad Yawata long as him! The two friends even paired up last year to win the HPLGA Four Gee of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Monte Ito of the DSIF Boys U.S. Junior Ball Championship – an adult event! Honolulu Advertiser is perpetuated via two scholarship Junior Golf Scholarship Committee Local girls also captured national head- programs named in their honor.