First Tee Hawaii keeps growing

First Tee Hawaii celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016. The organization now has 15 programs on Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Lanai and the island of Hawaii.

This year more than 700 kids between the ages of 5-17 participated in First Tee, which emphasizes core values, essential life skills and healthy habits along with golf.

First Tee has extended its focus from golf courses to outreach programs, including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, After-School programs and Special Education groups. More than 1,500 participated in those programs this year.

The 2016 program begins the second week of January. Locations include Bay View, Hawaii Kai, Hawaii Country Club, Hickam Par-3, Hoakalei, Makaha Valley and Turtle Bay on Oahu; Maui Nui and Dunes at Maui Lani on Maui; Cavendish on Lanai; Wailua on Kauai; Ironwood on Molokai; and Makalei, Big Island Country Club and Kamehameha Golf Park on the island of Hawaii.

First Tee is a non-profit. Its major source of funding comes from sales of its Ambassador Golf Card. For a $100 donation, the card gives players a round of golf at the 21 participating courses for $30, including cart, from Jan. 1-Dec. 31. The new card has fewer restrictions and now includes restaurant, rental car and air (Mokulele) discounts.

Contact executive director Kellan Anderson (808-202-6456, kanderson@thefirstteehawaii.org) or visit thefirsteehawaii.org for more information.

Sony Open has strong field

A dozen players in the World Golf Ranking’s Top 50 are among early commitments to next month’s Sony Open in Hawaii.

Second-ranked Jason Day, former champs Jim Furyk (No. 9) Zach Johnson (13) and Adam Scott (12) are expected to be at Waialae Country Club Jan. 14-17.

Hawaii golfers in the field are Parker McLachlin, Garrett Okamura and amateur Shawn Lu.

Jimmy Walker has won the last two Sonys. This year’s purse is $5.8 million.

Admission is free Monday and Tuesday of tournament week, $20 daily Wednesday-Sunday or $50 for a week-long pass.

Daily tickets are $15 if purchased in advance at sonyopeninhawaii.com. Children with an adult holding a ticket are free, along with military and dependents with official military ID.