Former Aloha Section PGA executive director Paul Sugimoto died Christmas Day. Sugimoto, 77, had battled cancer since retiring in 2007.
Sugimoto served the section for 10 years after his military career. He didn’t take up golf until he was playing baseball for the University of Hawaii. Sugimoto was an infielder for Masa Yonamine at Waipahu High School.
The Aloha Section is made up of Hawaii golf pros. It is one of 41 nationwide that operate under the PGA of America, which celebrates its 100th year in 2016. The organization was started to “establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.”
Hawaii’s section is nearing its 40th anniversary after starting as a chapter of the Southern California Section.
Sugimoto helped establish the tax-exempt PGA Foundation here for scholarships and contributions to charitable organizations.
“As executive director, Paul served the members well by bringing his guidance to the board and stability to the section,” current executive director Wesley Wailehua wrote in a message to members. “He was always calm, methodical and confident when approaching adversity for the section during its growth. He was the cornerstone of a solid foundation for the section for many years, alongside Joy Kuroiwa and Donald Hirata.
“When I assumed the position as executive director, he was one of the first people to offer his experience and mentorship. He was a proud honorary member of the section that loved the game of golf.”
The family is planning a private service.
Mason wins minor league golf
Hawaii State Open champ Nick Mason eagled the final hole to win the Minor League Golf Tour’s Hawaii Holiday event by nine shots on Monday at Makaha Valley Country Club.
Mason fired rounds of 67-70 to finish at 3 under par. He won $450. There were nine players in the field. Tadd Fujikawa (75—146) finished second, followed by Ryan Acosta (76) and Jared Sawada (74) at 149. Alvin Okada won the training division at 153.
On Dec. 21, Mason won the one-day minor league stop at Pearl Country Club with an eagle on the par-5 17th. He shot 1-over par 73 to beat Sawada by one and collect $360.
Sawada won the inaugural MLGT event in Hawaii in April.
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Ann Miller, Special to the Star-Advertiser
