Donald Hirata, a gentle family man and devoted Hawaii golf professional, died Tuesday at 69 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was a PGA professional for 40 years.
Hirata started his professional golf career at Oahu Country Club in 1978. His boss was Bill Schwallie, OCC’s first head pro born in Hawaii.
After 20 years as an assistant, Hirata moved to the Aloha Section PGA and served as Tournament Director until 2007. He retired to work for his church and volunteered for several organizations.
Current Aloha Section Executive Director Wes Wailehua considered Hirata a mentor and often asked for advice. He still recalls Hirata comparing the game of golf to the business of golf years ago, while he worked for the local PGA section.
“From the first swing on the tee, until you tap that last putt in the hole, you can never give up,” Hirata told Wailehua. “All eyes will be on you as a few cheer and most will silently observe. The industry once again needs to believe in the leadership of the PGA of America and our members.”
Hirata leaves behind wife Laurie, daughter Jessica and son Jonathan. Services will be Sept. 8 at Nuuanu Mortuary. Visitation begins at 5 p.m., with his celebration of life to follow at 6.
Uchida, Yanagi win mixed team title
Hilo’s Lacey Uchida and Pono Yanagi captured the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association’s Mixed Team Championship Sunday at Poipu Bay.
Uchida and Yanagi shot even-par 72 in the first-round’s four-ball stroke play format and 74 in the final round’s foursome stroke play format. That was one shot better than Oahu’s Ferrari Dudoit and Joshua Hayashida.
Also last weekend, Andy Okita won the Pearl Invitational, closing with a 70 for a 36-hole total of 1-under 143. Jonathan Ota (71—141) took Senior Amateur honors and Ryan Acosta (72—151) won the professional flight.
Tuesday at Leilehua, Craig Steinberg captured Hawaii’s qualifier for the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. Steinberg’s 71 was two shots better than Isaac Jaffurs, who is the first-alternate.
