Hawaii dumped by Japanese team

A year after stunning the Japanese team in singles to win its second Asia-Pacific Junior Cup, Hawaii suffered one of its most lopsided losses Tuesday at Waikoloa Kings’.

Japan constructed a huge advantage in team matches the first two days, then poured it on the final day, winning 11 of the 16 singles matches. The final score was 25.5-6.5, with Japan capturing its sixth title in the event’s eighth year.

Hawaii winners Tuesday were Kyosuke Hara, Malia Nam and Tyler Munetake. Shawn Lu and Mari Nishiura halved their matches.

The Hawaii State Junior Golf Association chose its team on a points system, from approximately 200 eligible members. The Japan High School Golf Association also uses a point system to select its team, from among 7,000 golfers ages 13-17.

For the first time, Junior Cup sponsor Hilton Grand Vacations is awarding a college scholarship to one boy and girl from Hawaii junior golf, beginning Dec. 1 through the Hawaii Community Foundation. For more information, contact the HSJGA at 532-0559 or hsjgaoffice@gmail.com.

HSJGA President Mary Bea Porter-King recently joined the PGA of America’s Volunteer Youth Player Development Committee.

Hamamoto tied for 47th Q-school

Hilo’s Jarett Hamamoto shot a second-round 74 Wednesday and dropped into a tie for 47th, at even-par 144, in the Web.com Tour Q-School second stage.

Hamamoto, the 2001 and 2002 Hawaii state high school champ, is playing at Southern Hills Plantation Club, in Brooksville, Fla. The top 19 and ties after Friday’s final round advance to final stage and earn a place on next year’s Web.com Tour.

Hamamoto had three birdies and a bogey the first day. There were four birdies on Wednesday’s card, but also five bogeys and a double-bogey.

Daniel Chopra, who won the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Championship at Kapalua, is a shot behind Hamamoto.

Punahou graduate Parker McLachlin, who won the 2008 Reno-Tahoe Open, also struggled in the second round, at Deerwood Golf Club, in Kingwood, Texas. McLachlin was tied for 14th after an opening-round 72, but followed with 78 to drop to 43rd. The top 18 and ties advance.

Former Hawaii Pearl Open champ John Ellis (73-77) dropped to 60th at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. The top 18 and ties also advance from that site.

Oregon wins Maui tournament

All five Oregon golfers finished under par, lifting the sixth-ranked Ducks to the championship of the inaugural Ka‘anapali Classic Collegiate Invitational. The 13-team tournament ended Sunday on Maui.

The Ducks finished at 33-under-par 819, after opening with an NCAA-record 30-under 254 at the Royal Ka‘anapali Course. Oregon freshman Aaron Wise closed with a 6-under 65, then beat North Florida’s MJ McGuire in a playoff to claim medalist honors. Both finished at 203.

Hawaii came in 11th at 888. Sophomore Pono Tokioka, playing as an individual, tied for fifth at 68—208. Skye Inakoshi, another sophomore, was next for UH at 75—217.