Mariota gets honorary membership at Waialae

Marcus Mariota’s exceptional work on and off the football field have earned him a place on one of Hawaii’s legendary golf courses.

In recognition of the Saint Louis grad’s "outstanding accomplishments, professionalism and Hawaii ambassadorship," Waialae Country Club has extended an Honorary Membership to Mariota.

The club announced the award at its annual meeting last week. In a statement, the board of directors said, "The integrity, humility and pride Marcus Mariota has displayed honoring his family, Polynesian heritage and all people of Hawaii has made us all proud."

Established in 1927, Waialae celebrated its 50th consecutive year hosting a PGA Tour event with this month’s Sony Open in Hawaii.

McCauley, Williams honored at Sony

Arleen McCauley and Charlie Williams were named the Chester Kahapea Chair and Volunteer of the Year at this year’s Sony Open.

The award is named after the man who served as Tournament Manager for the Hawaiian and Sony Opens for more than two decades. Awards are given to volunteers who "demonstrate selflessness, aloha and a sacrificial effort that marked Kahapea’s years of leadership and service."

McCauley is a Hospitality Chair in charge of five venues and 41 volunteers at Waialae. She started setting up Monday of tournament week with her committee and worked Tuesday’s Pro-Junior. Through Sunday, she oversaw the new Victory Villa on the 18th fairway and three other hospitality sites — Pro Caddie, Champions Club and Aloha for Hawaii Charities.

McCauley, a Kailua alum who now lives in Portland, has been volunteering 15 years and now spends some 15 hours a day on the course during Sony, arriving at 4:30 a.m.

He helps put up signs and corporate banners on the course and around the Skyboxes before the tournament starts, then assists vendors and sponsors during the event.