“Local” Pros take Hawaii Open
Hey, why not grab a headline when you can!
Jesse Mueller from Arizona (my boss’s boss maintains a home in Arizona as he also looks over the Scottsdale Resort, so we’ll claim Arizona as “local”), took first place and Dean Wilson (who lives just down the street from me…Kamehameha Highway to Kaneohe), is also “local”…so two “locals” took first and second place at the Turtle Bay Resort Hawaii State Open.
Jesse Mueller of Mesa, AZ captured the title with a seven shot advantage. Mueller (33-31), 2009 Hawaii Pearl Open champion, shot an 8-under-par 64 on the Fazio course in today’s final round to win the Open division with a three day total of 19-under-par 197. In second place was Dean Wilson (32-34), who just celebrated his 40th birthday last Thursday, who shot a 6-under-par 66 for a three day total of 12-under-par 204. Tied for third at 9-under-par 207 were Samuel Cyr (34-32) of San Diego, CA, Michael Feuerstein (35-31) of La Jolla, CA and low amateur David Fink (33-34) of Kailua, HI.
We will also, while we are at it, lay claim to Kirk Nelson (37-37) of Makena Golf Course (sister property on the island of Maui), who just turned 50 last Monday, who shot a final round 74 to capture the Senior Division title with a three day total 10-under-par 206. Two shots back in second place was Champions Tour player Dave Eichelberger (36-31) with a three day total 208. In third was Aloha Section PGA Senior Player of the Year Lance Taketa (33-38) of Hilo Muni Golf Course with a three day total 211. Low Senior amateur Eric Sonnenberg (36-38) came in 5th place at 215.
There was a three way tie for first in the Women’s Division at 220. LPGA member Katie Kempter (37-37) of Albuquerque, NM won the title after birdying the second playoff hole against defending champion, Cyd Okino (37-39) of Honolulu, HI and Xyra Suyetsugu (37-35) of Honolulu, HI. Okino, 16, captured the low amateur honors.
Justin Kurihara, 13, of Honolulu, HI shot a 75 for a three day total 220 to win the Men’s A-Flight division and Iris Kawada, 12, of Kaneohe, HI won the Women’s A-Flight with a 254.
