Miki Ueoka is turning up the heat at the right time. The Kaua‘i High School golfer has qualified for two prestigious national junior golf tournaments in July. On Tuesday, the 2006 KIF individual girls champion earned a spot in the
Miki Ueoka is turning up the heat at the right time. The Kaua‘i High School golfer has qualified for two prestigious national junior golf tournaments in July.
On Tuesday, the 2006 KIF individual girls champion earned a spot in the United States Golf Association’s Junior Girls National Championship on July 17 to 22 at the Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, N.C.
Ueoka (79) finished up six shots behind medalist Britney Choy, a Leilehua graduate.
Lihu‘e’s Kelli Oride is one of the alternates for the tournament, which at 6,400 yards, is the longest layout in history.
On Wednesday, Ueoka blistered the Turtle Bay Resort’s George Fazio Course with a 72, which gave her medalist honors in the 16-18 girls division of the Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association’s Optimist Qualifier.
The triumph qualified Ueoka for the Optimist International Jr. Golf Championship at the Professional Golfers Association National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on July 20-30. Kapa‘a’s Levi Miyashiro (73) also qualified for the national tournament with a tie for second in the 14-15 boys division.
Other Kaua‘i golfers in the event included T.J. Kua, Cyrus Ogawa, Mike Garcia, Noel Torres, Micah Yoshioka, La‘akea Warren, Cory Oride, Wiley Yoshioka and Skylar Schone.
Ueoka also won her division at the Aloha Section Westfield Junior PGA Championship last Friday at the Honolulu Country Club.
She now heads to the Westfield Junior PGA Championship in Westfield Center, Ohio, August 10 to 13.
July is Junior
Golf Month
Gov. Linda Lingle proclaimed July as Junior Golf Month in Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association is having a Ball Mark promotion to celebrate the month and raise funds for its programs.
Ball markers sell for $5, with $2 going to the HSJGA and $1 to local junior programs. Markers are available at Kiahuna, Kaua‘i Lagoons, King Auto Center, Princeville and Wailua.
Final weeks for Koloa Pop Warner signups
The Koloa Pop Warner Association is currently accepting football and cheer registrations on June 27 and 29 at the Koloa Ballpark, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
