Jennie K. is all about atmosphere

Playing in a state championship and trying to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open are all "part of the process" of becoming a good golfer, no matter how old you are. You probably won’t win, but what you gain from the experience is what matters most.

For 64 years now, the Jennie K. Wilson Invitational has been an important "part of the process" in Hawaii women’s golf. It is the first women’s major of the year and older than both the state stroke and match play championships.

Beyond all that the Jennie K., which tees off Friday at Mid-Pacific Country Club, has a radiant personality.

"The ladies are all so nice and happy and dress in cute clothes," says ‘Iolani junior Rose Huang. "And they yell nice things when you hit good shots."

The tournament’s atmosphere is difficult to describe — a blend of Hawaiian hospitality, girls night out and good golf. The stage is shared equally by women who wouldn’t miss Jennie K. — and haven’t, for a few decades — and juniors who are extremely competitive and truly appreciate that Jennie K. is "part of their process."

They also appreciate the women who make it possible.

"The environment and the people are just special," says Cyd Okino, who played nearly every Jennie K. from the time she turned 9 until her freshman year at the University of Washington. "It’s a really well-run tournament and you don’t feel stress. You’re out walking and happy because everyone is in such a good mood and all the older ladies are in great moods. You just hit a shot and they’re like, ‘Oh my God,’ so you gain more confidence."

Okino is back in Seattle finishing her semester. So is Cassy Isagawa, at Oregon. Both flew over for this week’s U.S. Women’s Open qualifier, but had to turn around and go back for another month of classes.

The tournament still attracts nearly all the best players in the state. Punahou sophomore Mariel Galdiano, who just won her second state high school championship, is back this year. So are Brittany Fan — headed to Colorado on a golf scholarship in the fall — and Mililani sophomore Mari Nishiura, who already has two OIA titles.

At 13, Aneka Seumanutafa is playing her third, and probably final, Jennie K. One of the state’s most promising and amiable juniors is moving next month to Maryland, where her mother just got a new job.

"I have more experience now, and there’s more competition for me at Jennie K.," Seumanutafa said. "My goal this week is just to have fun."

Miki Manta is also playing, at age 13, and Danielle Ujimori is 14. Ciera Min and Alice Kim are coming back for Jennie K. after helping Gonzaga to its second NCAA regional.

The oldest in the championship flight is 1996 Baldwin High graduate Desiree Ting, who is 36. The last player older than 25 to win the Jennie K. was Bobbi Kokx in 2000 — when she was 36.

Golfers from Japan have won two of the past three Jennie K. titles, including last year when 17-year-old Hinako Yamauchi held off 2012 champ Nicole Sakamoto. Three more from Japan will make the trip this year.

Sakamoto is now playing professionally on the Symetra Tour and so is 2008 Jennie K. champion Xyra Suyetsugu, who won Monday’s U.S. Women’s Open qualifier. Suyetsugu remembers little about how she won and lots about all that surrounds the Jennie K.

"Just the atmosphere," Suyetsugu says. "All the ladies just want to play golf and it’s still competitive for the younger kids, but it’s a tradition. The ladies always enjoy themselves. It’s great that they get excited. I love that atmosphere."

It was part of her process, and for many it still is.

"My goal is to play to my full potential," says La Pietra sophomore Annika Espino. "I want to set my own record at Mid-Pac, which would be 78. I’d be very happy to beat that."