NAWILIWILI — “It’s snowing where we come from, so we’ll gladly wear shorts,” a Western Kentucky golfer said as he watched Kaua‘i Junior Golfers and their parents huddle against the chilly winds blowing in at the Puakea Golf Course Wednesday
NAWILIWILI — “It’s snowing where we come from, so we’ll gladly wear shorts,” a Western Kentucky golfer said as he watched Kaua‘i Junior Golfers and their parents huddle against the chilly winds blowing in at the Puakea Golf Course Wednesday evening.
The Hilltopper was part of the annual clinic that accompanies the Kaua‘i Collegiate Cup, now celebrating its 5th year on the island, that tees off Friday morning at the Princeville Makai course “Ocean” and “Lakes” nine.
Friday’s schedule will have the 31-golfer field playing 36 holes starting from their 7:30 a.m. tee off, and final play completing on Saturday, Mar. 20.
“We’re glad to be here,” another golfer said as he stopped to chat with Trevor Kua, who at 5, is one of the youngest golfers in the Kaua‘i Junior Golf program, the collegiate golfer adding to Kua’s thrill with the presentation of a pristine white golf ball which was promptly deposited in Kua’s ball pouch.
There was no lack of enthusiasm on Kua’s part as his tiny arm shot skyward each time an offer was put forth for a local youngster to try a technique.
Brandon Weaver, touted as the fourth best short game in the nation, will be leading the host Western Kentucky Hilltoppers coached by Brian Tirpak.
Weaver, a senior, will be joined by sophomore Robby Shaw who is ranked 8th in the Sun Belt Conference for scoring average.
Other golfers hail from an international field featuring NCAA, Division I schools from the mainland, and this year, two Canadian universities.
Nick Johnston and Brent Long will be making their debut at the Princeville course this year while returnees Sam Smith captains the Hilltoppers as a junior and is expected to be one of the favorites, scoring seventh in the 2002 event.
Also participating in the tournament will be teams from Simon Fraser University, DePaul University, the University of British Columbia, and American University.
There is no admission to view the tournament.
For more information, contact Larry Lee at 823-0599.
