Google’s power can boggle the mind, to say nothing of helping to provide spectacular opportunities.

Justin "Pono" Tokioka leaves for Japan today to play in the ninth World Deaf Golf Championships, which opens Tuesday at Tsu Country Club. The Kauai High senior is one of six on the U.S. men’s team.

Tokioka qualified by finishing fourth at the U.S. qualifier in Ohio last July. He found the event on his computer, Googling "deaf golf tournaments" out of curiosity.

At 17, he is the youngest American in the history of the event. There are 92 players from 13 countries in the tournament, including former Punahou coach Gerald Isobe, who is on the U.S. senior team.

"He was one of those people who encouraged me to play golf instead of baseball," Tokioka wrote in an email. "He has been a role model to me because he has accomplished a lot as a golfer with ‘capabilities.’"

The qualifier came after Tokioka finished 22nd in the Hawaii State Amateur, helped Kauai High to the KIF title, was eighth in the state championship and played his third Manoa Cup. It was before he and state high school champion John Oda represented Hawaii at the Optimist International in Florida, and tied for 11th.

Tokioka considers next week the pinnacle of a precocious golf career that began at age 10 with the singular goal of beating his uncle Dickie Chang. Tokioka accomplished that their second time out.

"I think my greatest golf accomplishment is to represent my country in a different country in an international tournament," Tokioka said. "I have never done this before so I think it’ll be a fun experience and it will be an honor to play for my country.

"It would certainly be a big accomplishment if the team wins and I contributed to our team winning the championship. It would be like my Ryder Cup at this stage of my golf career."

It appears to be early in Tokioka’s golf career. His athletic career includes most of his life. His impact has already been profound.

Pono’s father, State Rep. James Tokioka, was kicked out of his son’s baseball dugout during a 2005 PONY all-star game in Hilo because league rules did not allow sign language interpreters in addition to the three coaches. A year later, a settlement was reached that allowed interpreters in all PONY league dugouts — and beyond — thanks to an 11-year-old from Lihue.

"I feel happy because I helped other kids with disabilities have an interpreter in all sports," Tokioka said back then.

Soon after, he pursued competitive golf because he found it "fascinating."

"I love to compete with other people and try to be an example for all people with disabilities," Tokioka said, "that we can do as much or more as anyone without disabilities can do. Also, I told my dad I didn’t want to play baseball anymore. I remember telling him if I play golf, I don’t need an interpreter — I hit the ball, find the ball and hit it again."

Like so many in the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association, he hits it awfully well. Tokioka practiced every day at Puakea and Kauai Lagoons in middle school, when "I didn’t have much homework." He has more now, so he has to budget his time, but his results remain impressive.Tokioka played the first two rounds of last year’s Hawaii State Open with tour pro Parker McLachlin. They were tied going into the final round.

"He was very mature, very relaxed," recalled Chris McLachlin, who caddied for son Parker that week. "Those are two nice qualities to have for any golfer, especially playing with a pro. He was not intimidated at all, that’s for sure."

Tokioka is pondering colleges, and college golf teams, for next year. He has a few scholarship offers and is weighing the benefits of going away or "playing for the Home Team."

"Everyone in Hawaii has been so supportive of me, especially Hawaii State Junior Golf," Tokioka says. "I can’t wait to graduate from high school and move on to the next chapter of my life. So I’m really ecstatic. Hopefully I could go to a four-year college and get a degree to make my life a lot easier and open up many opportunities."