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The host University of Hawaii men’s golf team picked up its best finish of the year Tuesday, closing its season by taking fifth at the Big West championships, at Wailua Municipal.
The seventh-seeded Rainbows were paced by sophomores Justin Arcano (73—219) and Matt Lloyd (74—220), who were fifth and eighth individually. Senior Cameron Kaneko (73—226) ended his career with a 20th-place finish.
Top-seeded Cal State Fullerton moved up three spots with a final-round 284 to win the nine-team tournament with a 54-hole score of 876. Defending champion UC Irvine was second, eight back. Hawaii closed with a 296 to shoot 895.
Fullerton’s Matt Wilson was the medalist at 68—211.
The Rainbow Wahine finished last at their Big West championship two weeks ago in California. Long Beach State successfully defended its title, led by medalist Haley Tygret.
Hawaii’s best finisher was Megan Ratcliffe, who tied for 11th.
Wie’s event raises $50,000
With the host relegated to hitting ping pong balls with the paddle in her left hand, this year’s fifth annual “Wie Love Ping Pong” event grossed about $50,000 for the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association.
LPGA pro Paula Reto, who lost to Michelle Wie in last year’s championship, took the title this year with her Top Golf teammate. Punahou alum Cyd Okino, who plays professionally in Japan, was second playing for DB Grill.
The fundraiser took place a few hours after Brooke Henderson successfully defended her Lotte Championship at Ko Olina. Wie missed the cut while suffering pain in her right hand, which was operated on late last year.
This year the ping pong and food stations moved from The Republik in town to the Four Seasons Resort.
Wie also hosts the season-ending HSJGA Tournament of Champions.
McLachlin, Keiley top qualifier
Hawaii pros Parker McLachlin and Justin Keiley earned the top two spots at Monday’s U.S. Open local qualifier at the Club at Hokuli’a. They advance to a regional qualifier, where those top finishers play in this year’s U.S. Open.
McLachlin, representing Kohanaiki, shot a 3-under 69 to lead the 23-man field. Keiley, from Haiku, was a shot back.
Waikoloa pro Juan Rodriguez and Maui pro Christopher Keiter are the first and second alternates after shooting 71.
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