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Brandan Kop will take another shot at winning his ninth U.S. Army Hawaii Invitational when the tournament tees off today at Leilehua Golf Course.
To do it, Kop will have to hold off some of the state’s finest juniors and a championship flight that also includes University of Hawaii golfers and two other former champions.
Kop, 49, won his eighth Army title in 2007. Alex Ching won the following year and Ryan Perez captured last year’s championship by five shots over Frank Marcus. Perez has since turned pro.
Campbell High junior Rudy Cabalar Jr., the reigning state high school champion, is among the 46 players in the championship flight. Other juniors include Alika Bell, Skye Inakoshi and Sueng Jae Maeng.
UH is represented by Cory Oride and Henry Park. Matthew Ma, who won the tournament in 2005, and Christian Akau, who won in 2004, also are entered.
Golfers go out starting at 6:30 a.m. today and tomorrow. The field, which also includes seniors and A, B and C flights, is cut in half after the second round. Leaders go out at approximately 8:30 a.m. for Saturday’s final round.
Women Drivers tournament Aug. 30
The seventh annual HMAA Women Drivers Tournament is Aug. 30 at noon at Mid-Pacific Country Club. The event benefits the Women’s Fund of Hawaii.
Cost is $700 for a team of four or $175 each. For more information, or to register, visit or call 954-9653.
