Big Island groups benefit from Hualalai event

The Rotary Club of Kona and Big Island Junior Golf Association were the beneficiaries of this year’s Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.

Both groups received their checks last week.

The Rotary Club has helped manage and supply the 400-plus volunteers needed annually since the tournament began in 1997. The Kona club received $52,500. The BIJGA’s 100-plus members receive support from a Champions Tour program that gives money to junior golf in the city where official tournaments are played. The tour players donated the $5,000 pro-am purse to the juniors this year.

Mitsubishi Electric is a year-round corporate sponsor for BIJGA and provides members with team shirts during competitions.

Since the senior tournament started on the Big Island, more than $700,000 has been raised for local charities. The 2011 Mitsubishi Electric Championship will be Jan. 21-23. Tom Watson is defending champion. For more information, call 800-417-2770.