POIPU — Who will win the grand prize trophy?
Russell Hata of Y. Hata and Company, the premier sponsor for the Kauai Chamber of Commerce 15th annual Golf Tournament, teased the field getting final briefing instructions before the shotgun start Sunday morning at the Poipu Bay Golf Course.
“This is more than sold out,” said Mark Perriello, the chamber president. “We were able to squeeze in two more golfers just this morning.”
The golf tournament fuels scholarships for three high school students who plan to pursue business majors in college. The fund also awards a scholarship to an exemplary Kauai Community College business education graduate.
“Thank you for making this a success,” Perriello said. “Whether you’re a golfer, a volunteer or a supporter, this helps the students who will be the future of business. It doesn’t matter whether we flooded on Oahu and Kauai, and the volcano is going off on the Big Island, students continue to graduate. Your support makes it possible for them to continue their education, so thank you.”
Sandi Kato-Klutke arrived with breakfast among the field of golfers buzzing with conversation.
“I’m illegally parked,” Kato-Klutke said. “I had to wait for the malasadas. I can’t stay because I have family here from Nebraska, so I have to run.”
The morning pick-me-up went well with the Kauai Coffee that dripped its last drop just minutes before the shotgun start.
“I was up at 2 a.m. to brew 60 gallons of coffee,” said Lindsay MacLean of Kauai Coffee. “We are out, and the golfers are giving me the funny look. I think it’s time to leave.”
Golfers took to the award-winning Poipu Bay Golf Course in a four-person, modified scramble, with opportunities for earning prizes like the closest to the pin on the third, eighth and 17th holes, the par 32.
A hole-in-one at No. 17 would have earned someone $25,000, and aces at the other par 3s had prizes in wait as well.
Any golfer driving the green on the 11th would be eligible for a special prize drawing.
More prizes were awarded for best dressed team and individual golfers, and a big prize was taken by the team finishing in 15th place.
Watch upcoming issues of The Garden Island for more photos and the results.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
