Young golfers gain more experience through a tournament in Kauaʻi last weekend

Young golfers ages 11 to 18 from across the state teed up for a tournament at the Puakea Golf Course in Līhuʻe last weekend.

A total of 27 junior golfers came together to play 36 holes at the Kauaʻi Junior Championship, hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Junior Golf Association First Tee-Hawaiʻi, in Līhuʻe on Sept. 13-14. Winners include:

• Boys 13-14: Leo Saito, Hilo
• Boys 15-18: Ethan Nakatsukasa, Honolulu
• Girls 11-12: Madison Sur, Honolulu
• Girls 13-14: Tay-Lina Nakagawa, Honolulu
• Girls 15-18: Mia Nakaoka, Mililani

The next tournament will be the Big Island Junior Championship at Hualālai Golf Course from Saturday, Sept. 27, to Sunday, Sept. 28.

The Hawaiʻi State Junior Golf Association is a nonprofit organization that introduces the game of golf and its traditions to the youth of Hawaiʻi. Participants are able to develop life skills through affordable and competitive programs that educate, motivate, and inspire. The association’s goals are to provide the following:

College workshops to assist all juniors with their preparation for higher education.

Opportunities that teach responsibility and develop qualities of leadership and integrity, while assisting juniors in becoming productive members of the adult community.

Rules, etiquette, and instructional clinics on the game of golf.

Golf at a minimal cost to juniors.

An environment to promote and encourage good sportsmanship and friendship among junior golfers.

Opportunities to travel and participate in state and national tournaments.