3 headed for national public links tourney

Kelli Oride of Lihue, Zoey Akagi-Bustin of Wahiawa and Kristina Merkle of Honolulu are headed to the USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links this summer after Sunday’s sectional qualifier at Ewa Beach Golf Club.

Oride was the medalist out of 13 players on Sunday with a 76. Akagi-Bustin placed second with a 77. Merkle was fourth with a 79 and took the qualifying spot of Nicole Sakamoto, who placed third with a 78 but declined a spot in the nationals.

Aneka Seumanutafa of Kapolei and Sydney Maluenda of Ewa Beach took the two alternate spots.

The national tournament is June 18-23 at Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station, N.J.

Florence and Patacchia move on

Hawaii’s John John Florence won his first-round heat on Sunday in the Volcom Fiji Pro surf contest.

Florence beat Miguel Pupo of Brazil and Kieren Perrow of Australia to advance all the way to the third round of the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour event in 6- to 10-foot-plus waves at Cloudbreak on Tavarua.

Hawaii’s Fred Patacchia placed second in his first-round heat on Sunday, and then defeated Michel Bourez in the second round today to advance to the third round.

Punahou athletics reunion coming up

Members of the Punahou football, basketball and baseball teams from 1962 to 1964 are invited to a special luncheon at the Willows restaurant on June 11.

Hawaii football coach Norm Chow will attend the event that costs $24.07, including tax and tip. To reserve a seat, call 226-1987. The event is not open to the public.