WAILUA — The No. 10 has water, but is playable, but No. 11 is really bad — it’s completely under water, said Michael Dahilig, Friday following an inspection of Wailua Golf Course. Combined with the rain punctuated by lightning flashes
WAILUA — The No. 10 has water, but is playable, but No. 11 is really bad — it’s completely under water, said Michael Dahilig, Friday following an inspection of Wailua Golf Course.
Combined with the rain punctuated by lightning flashes and thunder claps, the sound of emergency notices on cell phones caused the cancellation of the final round of the John A. Burns Intercollegiate golf tournament at the Wailua Golf Course.
“We don’t like to do this because people came to play golf,” said Ronn Miyashiro, the Hawaii men’s golf coach. “But we can cancel if we have to. The standings after 36 holes will determine the winners. If we cut the tournament after 18 holes, those would be the winners.”
California, led by the runner-up individualist Joel Statler, claimed the team trophy with a 36-hole total 560 (278-287). This is the fourth consecutive win for California.
“I played Wailua before, and fell in love with the place,” said Cal coach Steve Desimone. “When I found out this year’s tournament was going to be in Wailua, we were all over it.”
Justin Keiley, top individualist champion, shared similar sentiments.
“I played Wailua when I was a sophomore at Baldwin during the David Ishii Foundation Hawaii High School Athletic Association boys golf championships,” the Brigham Young University golfer said. “I fell short of the state by a few strokes, but had it in my mind that I would come back. I am amazed that I was able to do this.”
Keiley, firing a 36-hole, 10-under par 134 (68-66), claimed the championship trophy. His performance helped BYU to a tie for second place with Texas A&M, both teams carding a seven-under par 569.
Joel Stalter of Cal, the defending individualist from 2013, finished with a six-under 138 (67-71) for the No. 2 spot. Erik Oja of Arizona landed No. 3 spot on a five-under 139 (64-75).
The tournament host, University of Hawaii, finished with its “A” team in 13th place with a team 590 (299-291), led by senior Nainoa Calip of the Big Island who finished in a tie for 18th at 144 (73-71).
The University of Hawaii men’s golf team next travels to Arizona for the Arizona State University Thunderbird Invitational in Tempe, Ariz., Mar. 21 to 23.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
