Hilo’s Britney Yada was the only one to advance of the five Hawaii golfers at last week’s LPGA/Symetra Stage II qualifying in Venice, Fla.
Yada tied for 47th Sunday and was one of 84 golfers — from 29 countries — to earn a place in the LPGA’s Final Stage of Q-School. It takes place Nov. 30-Dec. 4 at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The top 20 finishers earn LPGA tour membership for 2017.
Norway Olympian Marianne Skarpnord was medalist, finishing at 11-under-par 277, five shots better than the runner-up. Yada shot 73 the first two days, then 77-72 over the weekend for a 295 total.
Moanalua graduate Kristina Merkle was next among the Hawaii players, tying for 146th at 308.
Amateur Kacie Komoto (310), a Northwestern senior out of Punahou, earned a share of 164th, with `Iolani alum Marissa Chow five shots back and former Hilo resident Kim Kim finishing at 318.
All golfers who completed 72 holes received Symetra Tour status.
Yada was a three-time BIIF champion at Waiakea and won the Big Sky Conference in 2011 while playing for Portland State.
She was on the Symetra Tour the last two years. She had two Top-20 finishes in April and finished 58th on the money list.
First Tee Hawaii hosts tasting event
The new First Tee of Hawaii, formed under the non-profit Hawaii Youth Golf Association, will host its inaugural fundraiser to re-establish the First Tee Hawaii Chapter.
The group supports some 700 junior golfers on Oahu, Maui and West Hawaii.
It will host an Exclusive Tasting Event next Saturday (Nov. 5), from 6-9 p.m., at Hoakalei Country Club. O’Tooles Irish Pub and Fujioka’s Wine Times will sponsor the “premium wines and spirits” event.
There will also be food, live music, an auction and raffle. Cost is $40.
For more information, contact Kellan Anderson at 202-6456 or HawaiiYouthGolfAssociation@gmail.com.
