Three junior golfers from Kaua‘i and a total of 23 golfers from Hawai‘i will head to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., next week to compete in the 2006 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, from July 22 to 24. Kaua‘i golfers participating
Three junior golfers from Kaua‘i and a total of 23 golfers from Hawai‘i will head to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., next week to compete in the 2006 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, from July 22 to 24.
Kaua‘i golfers participating in the event include Kapa‘a’s Levi Miyashiro (boys 14-15) and Lihu‘e’s Cory (boys 14-15) and Kelli Oride (girls 12-13).
Hundreds of golfers ages 10 to 18 will travel from various corners of the world to play in the annual tournament, now in its 11th year at PGA National.
“The tournament will showcase some of the most talented young players in the world, many of whom could be the leading collegiate professional golfers of tomorrow,” PGA spokesperson Krista Grueninger said in a press release.
Golfers ages 10 to 15 will play July 22 to 24 in three age divisions each for boys and girls: 10 to 11, 12 to 13 and 14 to 15.
Older golfers ages 16 to 18 will have their turn July 27 to 30.
“The Optimist is truly an international event, with nearly 700 players representing 43 states, four Canadian provinces and 28 nations,” Grueninger said.
Past champions include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Craig Stadler, Amy Alcott, Brandie Burton, Nick Price and Lorena Ochoa.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
