Hilo pro Kevin Hayashi put up a low number early, David Ishii and Kristopher Kitt caught him, then Hayashi won a playoff for the lone spot available in Hawaii’s U.S. Senior Open qualifier.
It was played Tuesday at Hoakalei Country Club, stretched to 6,806 yards.
After three consecutive birdies Hayashi, the Aloha Section PGA player and senior player of the year in 2018, was 3 under after 13 holes. A double bogey at No. 14 and bogey at the next hole dropped him to 72 for his round.
Ishii, the 1990 Hawaiian Open champ who plays in Japan, birdied the 17th to catch him. Three birdies on the back nine lifted Kitt, Nanea’s director of golf, into the playoff.
Kitt bogeyed the first playoff hole and is second alternate. Hayashi and Ishii both birdied the second playoff hole, but Ishii bogeyed the next to fall to first alternate.
Australian David Wilson tied for fourth, two shots out of the playoff, with Hawaii’s Juan Rodriguez and Scott Simpson — the 1987 U.S. Open champion.
Carl Ho was low amateur, tying for seventh with Jeff Ferry at 77.
There were 29 in the qualifier, including six from Japan. Nearly 2,800 golfers 50 and older entered the 34 qualifiers across the country.
Hilo’s Greg Meyer earned an exemption after finishing third on the Japan Senior Tour money list last year.
The 40th U.S. Senior Open is June 27-30 in South Bend, Ind.
Ko Olina camps coming up
Ko Olina’s Kids Summer Golf Camps start June 11. Camps are designed to give students ages 7-14 what they need to know to start golfing, along with a focus on stretching, coordination and other exercises.
Classes are limited to six students per instructor. Snacks and drinks are provided and golf clubs are available.
Camps run June 11-13 and July 9-11, from 9-11 a.m. Cost is $185.
Get Golf Ready sessions for adults begin again May 30, with beginner and intermediate classes.
Call 686-9064 or email golfacademy@koolina.com to sign up or for more information.
Ko Olina’s biggest sale of the year is June 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Logo wear, accessories, shoes, equipment and more will be available for up to 75 percent off.
The first 50 customers in line receive a free gift, and the first 100 get a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.
Summer sale set for June
The Hawaii Golf Representatives Association is having its summer Golf Sample Sale on June 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Washington Intermediate (1633 S. King St.).
Brand name golf apparel and equipment will be on sale.
