Leadership Kaua‘i golf gets great turnout

LIHU‘E — It was a fundraiser to get the greens to Leadership Kaua‘i and keep the organization out of the rough. Puns aside, it was a great day for golf Sunday morning at the Third Annual Leadership Kaua‘i Golf Tournament at Puakea Golf Course in Lihu‘e.

The three-person, 18-hole scramble had 30 teams participating, Leadership Kaua‘i Executive Director Sherri Patrick said. “I’m just really happy we had such a good turnout,” she added, noting, “There were so many other golf tournaments.”

Proceeds from the tournament will go to supporting Leadership Kaua‘i, which offer the Pi‘ina Hoku program, a program that seeks to imbue Kaua‘i’s up-and-coming youths with the skills necessary to be the next generation of island leaders.

Though there was the chance to win $10,000 on the 13th hole (sponsored by Kuku‘iula) nobody got the hole-in-one required for the win.

Ke Akua Mana Church was part of the event, and co-fundraised with a Thanksgiving dinner with kalua turkey, stuffing, rice and pumpkin crunch.

“They had been praying for fundraising opportunities,” Patrick said.

Tony Silva from OC16’s “Da Braddahs & Friends” was master of ceremonies at the awards reception, and young guitar talent John Medeiros, part of the Pi‘ina Hoku program, serenaded during lunch. Overall it was a fun event for golfers and non-golfers alike.

“It seemed like it was more important to just support the event and have fun than play golf,” Patrick said, adding she was thankful to those who helped make it happen.

“I’m grateful to the Leadership Kaua‘i Class of 2011 for organizing the event, and for everyone who came out when there are so many other things competing for their time,” Patrick said.

Next up on the calendar for Leadership Kaua‘i is the eagerly anticipated finale of youth and adult community projects.

Patrick said youths will soon be ready to release the details of their projects, which aim to bring awareness to teens.