LIHUE — Kauai Junior Golf Association hosted their first play day on Saturday at Puakea Golf Course. There were 28 junior golfers registered for this event which were broken into three learning groups.
Each group went to different holes and learned about etiquette and basic fundamentals of the game. It was important for KJGA to teach their junior golfers about manners and the right way to play golf in their early years of their golfing careers.
Glenn Tamagawa, head golf pro at Puakea Golf Course, started the event with the juniors introducing themselves and shaking each other’s hands. He stated how important it was to greet your fellow junior golfer because you will be asking them questions like what they had on the last hole, can I putt out, etc. Communication and respect is important in the heart of this sport.
Matt Rollins, HSJGA executive director, and Daezsa Tomas were also there respectfully in their own groups teaching their juniors how to keep score, have confidence with the right attitude and how to be respectful around the greens.
Rollins said HSJGA will conduct one-hour sessions at Wailua Golf Course on Saturday for juniors and parents on basic rules and etiquette on the golf course.
The session will begin at 5 p.m. following play of the HSJGA 14 and U event in Wailua. This is open to parents and KJGA members.
The next play day is set for June 9 at Puakea Golf Course. Registration forms are available at www.kjga.org, or will be emailed if your child is already a member.
Those who are interested in signing up their child to become a member can do so at www.kjga.org. He or she must be at between the ages of 5-18, must not have reached their 19th birthday and have not entered college.
KJGA is also still open for membership registration for all high school golfers. Graduating seniors can apply for the Prestigious Scholarship Program.
Upcoming events are:
w Chica Ishii Tournament, a one-day tournament scheduled for May 5 at Wailua Golf Course.
w Skills Testing, which has been rescheduled to May 6 at 3 p.m. at Hokuala Golf Course.
w Mitchell Ota Tournament, which is scheduled for May 19 at Wailua G. C.
“We would like to thank the many hands that have molded this program to what it is today,” said Stephanie Shinno, KJGA director of program and services. “The board members, professional golfers, parents, community leaders, community sponsors and the juniors for participating in our events and helping us make this program what it is today. We are excited and grateful to see our membership grow and most importantly see our junior golfers have fun while learning this sport we all have grown to love.”
