Kenji Miyata of Kapa‘a was named the recipient of the newly created 2011 Dr. Richard Ho-Spirit of the Game Award during the Hali‘imaile Tournament of Champions played over the weekend on Maui. Miyata is a junior at Kapa‘a High School
Kenji Miyata of Kapa‘a was named the recipient of the newly created 2011 Dr. Richard Ho-Spirit of the Game Award during the Hali‘imaile Tournament of Champions played over the weekend on Maui.
Miyata is a junior at Kapa‘a High School playing on the Warriors golf team and has been a member of good standing of the Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association for the past five years, states an HSJGA release.
Earlier this year, an anonymous HSJGA family donated a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded annually to one outstanding HSJGA Junior to help subsidize the expense of tournament travel.
Miyata was the designated recipient only after a selection committee comprised of members of the HSJGA Board of Directors, staff, tournament volunteers and other dignitaries in the community scouted each HSJGA Junior throughout the season to determine the most deserving golfer to receive this scholarship based on the criteria the USGA describes as “The Spirit of the Game.”
The definition is written as “Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration other other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.”
The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Richard Ho, former HSJGA Board of Director, retired pediatrician, U.S. Army Veteran and golf enthusiast who passed away in 2009. Dr. Ho served as an HSJGA Board of Director for more than nine years and was an avid golfer whose passion inspired hi to found the Hawai‘i State Golf Association in 1984. His passion for golf and children was very much apparent throughout his life as he dedicated much of his time to both.
In presenting the award, the HSJGA said Miyata exhibited all of the qualities of “The Spirit of Golf” throughout the season and the committee determined he was the most fit to receive this distinguished award.
Miyata will be traveling to compete in the 2011 United States Junior Masters Tournament in Florida later this month.
Miyata was surprised to receive the accolades but was thrilled to accept because he knew the subsidy would help offset a portion of his travel expenses.
He earned the exemption to the United States Junior Masters during a qualifier match played at the Kiahuna Golf Club in Po‘ipu in October.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
