With the U.S. Open Championship teeing off this morning, locals have good reason to be glued to their television sets. “Obviously Tiger is the main focal point,” Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course director of golf Craig Sasada said. But with Honolulu’s
With the U.S. Open Championship teeing off this morning, locals have good reason to be glued to their television sets.
“Obviously Tiger is the main focal point,” Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course director of golf Craig Sasada said.
But with Honolulu’s Tadd Fujikawa qualifying for the U.S. Open at Sasada’s stomping grounds, it poses another story angle which interests locals.
“I watched him hit some balls and his personality and mental capabilities will probably get him through, but his chances are very slim,” Sasada said. “You never know, stranger things have happened. If by chance of luck he should make the cut, it’ll be the biggest story of the tournament.”
Fujikawa, 15, is the youngest U.S. Open competitor since 1941.
But Sasada thinks Phil Mickelson, the 2006 Master’s winner, should be right at the top of the leaderboard.
“If Phil wins, it’ll be the third leg of the Mickelslam,” Sasada said. “Everyone’s building up the Tiger vs. Phil rivalry. Obviously, that’s where everyone’s eyes are going to be.”
The winner of the U.S. Open will also be the second qualifier for the upcoming 2006 PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which will be held at the Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course for the 13th straight year on Nov. 21-22.
If Mickelson triumphs, then the PGA Grand Slam of Golf Major Champions Points list comes into play. Each player earns points for high finishes in each of the four majors.
Woods, who won two majors last season, allowed Vijay Singh entry into the event.
“There’s a near guarantee he’s going to win a major this year,” Sasada said of Woods. “We’d love to have him back again this year at the Grand Slam. He is such a huge draw.”
Sasada said the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was originally scheduled to take place at numerous venues.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but the PGA Grand Slam was to move from site to site,” Sasada said. “We’ve had it more than half the time in its existence. We’d hate to see it gone, but we just have to see what happens. Hopefully we’ll know sooner this time.”
The Slam’s contract with the Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course has been on a year-to-year basis.
Sasada’s pick: Tiger Woods, but he’ll also be rooting for Fujikawa to make the cut.
Kapa‘a High School golf coach Fred Levinthol will also be cheering for Fujikawa.
“All eyes are going to be on Tadd,” Levinthol said. “Hopefully he can make the cut. It’s not going to be easy to do, playing with the best players in the world.”
But Fujikawa has something most average golfers lack.
“He has so much passion for the game,” Levinthol said.
“You need passion to be successful in this game. I watched him play on O‘ahu and he’s just awesome. He’s got heart for the game.”
Levinthol said the Tiger vs. Phil story is one to watch.
“With him (Woods) it’s a lot more excitement,” Levinthol said. “There are a lot of other capable players too. Vijay (Singh) and Ernie Els have been known to do well in majors.”
Levinthol’s pick: Retief Goosen. “He has just as much chance as Tiger or Phil.”
Matthew Mack, who recently found more time to golf and watch golf events on television, thinks Tiger is going to win one for his father on Father’s Day.
“I can’t wait to watch the U.S. Open,” the former Puakea Golf Course employee said. “I don’t think I’ve watched one in a few years. I’ve just been too busy.”
Mack’s pick: Tiger Woods, who’s the celebrity everyone thinks he resembles.
Eric Horner, the local qualifier winner on Kaua‘i was disappointed with his play in the sectional qualifier, where Fujikawa took control to attain the lone U.S. Open Spot.
However, Horner, like most people in Hawai‘i, will be rooting for the 5’1” 15-year-old from Honolulu.
“We’ve got to root for Tadd,” Horner said. “I think he’ll be just fine. He just has to not let the pressure get to him and he doesn’t try to force the issue, he’ll make the cut. I want him to be in the top 20 so he can be there next year.”
The Kekaha resident and Kaua‘i Lagoons employee will be one of many Kauaians watching the U.S. Open from start to finish.
“It’s almost like watching the Master’s,” Horner said. “There’s so much history behind it. Since you can’t be there, you have to watch it.”
And just in case you’re wondering, Horner will be back again to try and gain entry into the 2007 U.S. Open.
“I can’t give,” Horner said. “I will do it again.”
Horner’s pick: Tiger Woods by three shots, but he’ll pay close attention to Fujikawa.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
