Kaua‘i’s oldest golf club just got one year older in 2006. The 1,2 Golf Club, based at the Wailua Golf Course, began another season of fun, carmeraderie, and of course — some competitive golf. In the early 1950s, 12 Lihu‘e
Kaua‘i’s oldest golf club just got one year older in 2006. The 1,2 Golf Club, based at the Wailua Golf Course, began another season of fun, carmeraderie, and of course — some competitive golf.
In the early 1950s, 12 Lihu‘e businessmen, the charter members, created the club and its catchy name.
Now some 50 years later, the club picked up a total of 30 members, which includes members of the opposite sex.
In 1998, Carol Uohara broke ground and became the first woman in the group. Her father was a past member and George Kawakami, another member, was responsible for giving Uohara a chance to compete with the men.
“They are just a bunch of really nice guys. They aren’t intimidating at all,” Uohara said.
The other woman in the club is Sandy Magnusson and she mentioned that no one wants to shoot the lowest score.
“The player with the worst score is called uncle or aunty,” Magnusson said.
Bank of Hawai‘i’s Kirk Nakamoto is the youngest member at age 35 and Morton Yamasaki has the longest tenure with the club at 20 years and counting.
“We take trips once a year and we’re going to Kapalua (Maui) this year. It’s golf that keeps us together,” 1,2 Golf Club member Randy Nishimura said.
The club golfs twice a month, culminating with an Ace of Aces winner. This year’s champion was none other than Milton Ozaki of Robert’s.
Past Ace of Aces champions include Mike Oride (2000-01), Dennis Nakahara (2002), Calvin Murashige (2003), Carol Uohara (2004), and Morton Yamasaki (2005).
“We have a rich tradition. We have children of past members. The club has transformed itself from strictly a business club to a social gathering,” Nishimura said.
The 1,2 Golf Club also has an arch nemesis in Club 36.
“We’ve never beaten them. We’ve lost five years running, but this might be our year, hopefully. They play every week, but although we play twice a month, we still should find a way to beat them, even if we have to cheat,” Nishimura said.
The 2006 board of directors are Mike Oride (president), Gordon Yee (vice president), Mike Furukawa (secretary), Carol Uohara (treasurer), and Calvin Murashige (tournament chair).
Some of the other members include the likes of Paul Endo, Dan Kunimoto, Creighton Fujii, Myles Hiranaka, Ray Morikawa, Clyde Nakaya, Gary Nitta, and Glen Takenouchi.
