Locals struggle at highest level

The three players with local ties could whip just about anyone they play on a golf course, but they were humbled somewhat at this week’s Pacific Links Hawaii Championship.

The Big Island’s Kevin Hayashi did the best of the three, shooting a 4-over 76 on Sunday to finish 76th in the 81-man field with a 54-hole total of 4-over 220. He carded two birdies and six bogeys after playing the opening 36 holes in even par.

Former Kailua resident Scott Simpson, who’s planning to return to Oahu for good, finished 79th after shooting a 4-over 76 in his final round for a three-day total of 6-over 222. He carded two birdies, two bogeys and two double bogeys over his final 18 holes.

Casey Nakama wound up finishing last with a final-round 76, his best round by far. He finished at 15-over 231 to wind up six shots behind Ben Crenshaw, who was 80th.

Love struggles first time out

There have been 17 Champions Tour players win the first event they entered. Don’t count Davis Love III among them.

Saying he was a bit rusty, Love shot an even-par 72 in the final round to finish in a tie for 64th at 3-under 213. He will play next week at Pebble Beach and then return to the regular tour at the Frys.com later next month.

"I’m planning to play the Sony in January," Love said. "I’ve always enjoyed playing in Hawaii. It was great to see a lot of old friends this week. It was fun hanging out with people I haven’t seen in years."

Pavin slips down leaderboard

All the golf balls that found the bottom of the cup on Saturday slid by the hole on Sunday as Corey Pavin failed to make a run at the leaders.

Pavin said he couldn’t make anything.

"The problems I’ve had with my putting all year came back today," Pavin said. "I made everything in the second round. Just couldn’t do it today."

Pavin lost in a playoff in 2013 to eventual winner Mark Wiebe. He tied for seventh this year and was tied for eighth in 2012.

"I always enjoy coming to Hawaii," Pavin said. "I just wish I could have played a little better today."

Pavin finished 14 under for the tournament, five shots behind Goydos.

Inside the numbers

For only the fifth time in senior history, there were at least 1,000 birdies in a 54-hole tournament.

This year’s total of 1,056 birdies were the fourth-most in senior tour history. With the wind kicking up on Sunday, there weren’t as many as each of the first two days. The scoring average on Sunday was 70.333 and 69.597 for the week.

The hardest hole Sunday was No. 13 at 4.321, yielding only four birdies during the round. For the week, the most difficult was the par-3 No. 16 that yielded Fred Funk’s hole-in-one and Goydos’ birdie.

The easiest on Sunday was No. 17 at 4.333 with three eagles and 50 birdies.