Lihu‘e’s T.J. Kua moved up a spot from third place yesterday to earn a shot to play in the United States Golf Association’s Junior Championship on July 16 to 22 at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California. “I
Lihu‘e’s T.J. Kua moved up a spot from third place yesterday to earn a shot to play in the United States Golf Association’s Junior Championship on July 16 to 22 at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California.
“I started fairly well,” Kua said. “I was one over through seven, then I ended up bogeying eight and nine. I made a bunch of pars in the back nine, then I birdied 14.”
On No. 17, Kua and his caddy, Mike Garcia, a former Kaua‘i High School golfer, had a lot of thinking to do.
“I ended up on the cart path,” Kua said. “Mike and I decided to hit it off the cart path. I never thought about doing it, but I tried it and it kind of worked out for me.”
Kua went for it on the final hole, not knowing if he was in contention or not.
“Mike told me to drain it and it hit the back of the hole and went right in,” Kua said of his 25-foot putt.
The Kamehameha-Kapalama incoming senior wasn’t even in the mix at last year’s tournament.
“I think I prepared more this year,” Kua said. “I tried to build up my stamina. It feels good to win after not playing good in previous tournaments this summer. I also had a good, friendly match with my uncle at the Honolulu Country Club.”
Kua shot a 74 yesterday for a 152 36-hole total at the Turtle Bay Resort’s Palmer Course on O‘ahu.
Kua now turns his attention to the national competition.
“I just have to try to stay focused,” Kua said. “I’m going to hit balls and make sure my swing is intact.”
Kua shot a 78 in the first round and blistered the back nine with a 35 (39 front nine) for the 74 (par 72).
“Yesterday’s round was played under good conditions with sunshine and light trades,” tournament official Stephen Perry said.
Honoka‘a’s Sean Maekawa carded a 148 36-hole total, which handed him the top spot in the event.
Maekawa played in the 2004 junior championship at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
Kapa‘a’s Cyrus Ogawa carded a 160 (42-38) 36-hole tally, which put him in 13th place.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
