Lihu‘e’s Daryl Izumo certainly feels like he’s 22 again, with his recent surge to the top of the Denny’s Professional Bowlers Tour West Region after three tournaments. “I don’t know how long it’s going to last, but truthfully, I just
Lihu‘e’s Daryl Izumo certainly feels like he’s 22 again, with his recent surge to the top of the Denny’s Professional Bowlers Tour West Region after three tournaments.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to last, but truthfully, I just felt good about my game and it just worked out,” Izumo said.
The Lihu‘e Bowling Center general manager recently won his first PBA tournament in over 21 years (Schofield Bowl).
“Maybe it’s a new head. I bowled good the whole week,” Izumo said referring to his recent success.
The 44-year-old has 39,854 points so far this season and leads Santa Clara’s Brandon Jon by over 1,000 points.
But Izumo doesn’t get a chance to rest. He heads off to Boise, Idaho today for another PBA West Region tournament.
Izumo is also second in earnings, tallying $2,950, trailing only Robert Smith of the Big Island, who won the Rice Shopping Center Open last week.
“Nobody from Kaua‘i has even tried. We just don’t have the opportunity,” Izumo said.
There are 21 events in the west region and the top finisher at the end of the season gets a shot to play with the big boys of the PBA.
So far, Izumo has finished 18th in the RSC Open, 14th at Hickam, and first at Schofield.
“I participated every year. (It’s the) first time we had three in Hawai‘i,” Izumo said.
Izumo also noted his sponsor has helped him out a lot.
“I do better when it’s not my money,” Izumo said.
Izumo is the only Hawai‘i player in the top 20 of the PBA West Region.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
