NAWILIWILI — The YWCA of Kaua‘i Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament has been played for 12 years prior to Sunday when the 13th Annual tournament rolled out of the Hokuala Ocean Course parking lot.
The Sunday tournament that was sold out with a waiting list marked the first tournament since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down golf courses, said Kellie Hines, the Hokuala golf professional.
“We just got the clearance from the Department of Health, three days ago,” Hines said. “If you’re doing social media, be sure to wear face masks, and social distance.”
Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh, the YWCA of Kaua‘i executive director, said the mayor also reviewed the tournament rules and practices, and approved the tournament play that moved out with a modified shotgun start from the Hokuala Ocean Course parking lot.
The tournament was sold out with 72 golfers limited to one golfer per cart and playing a 4-person modified scramble. Proceeds benefit the YWCA of Kaua‘i and its mission of ending domestic violence.
“Normally, there are more than a hundred golfers in a tournament,” said Tyson Moises, a tournament golfer and regular tournament participant. “But this is just one golfer to one cart so it’s just 72 golfers. At least, we’re playing. That’s the important thing.”
Other special COVID-19 accommodations included the special protective plates at the registration tables, just special musubi created by Daddy O’s accompanying the departing golfers.
“The refreshment wagon is not going out,” said Lawrence Mendonca, Sandy G’s father. “Be sure to stock up on your snacks and refreshments before leaving. When you get back, there will be a to-go bento waiting for you. There will be no awards luncheon. Instead, the results will be sent to TGI for publication.”
Mendonca’s son traditionally sends the golfers off with words of mahalo, but this year, was not able to make the tournament due to the travel quarantine.
Sandra Galas, the mother of two boys ages 3 and 5, was found strangled to death in her car parked in the garage of her home in ‘Ele‘ele on Jan. 25, 2006. Lawrence Mendonca, Sandra’s father, and family partnered with the YWCA of Kaua‘i for the annual Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament whose funds are used to assist abused women and children.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
I’m sure Donald gives his thumbs up for pandemic golfing. And people ignoring distancing because they have valve masks, chin straps, and bandanas on. WTG