Making history in Wailua

WAILUA — Skye Inakoshi became the first medalist for the University of Hawaii on Friday during the final round of the John Burns Intercollegiate golf tournament, which wrapped up at the Wailua Golf Course.

Inakoshi finished in a four-way tie for the individual title following the final round, sharing the top medalist spot with University of Texas’ Beau Hossler and Gavin Hall, and California’s K.K. Limbhasut.

Inakoshi fired a final round 3-under 69 to become the host Hawaii’s first individual champion in the 40-year history of the Burns tournament.

Hossler and Hall’s performances kept Texas’ lead intact, breaking the five-year reign by California as the team champion for the John Burns Intercollegiate. Texas, although shooting two strokes back of California as a team, amassed a three-day total of 844 (276-284-286), staying ahead of California by five strokes.

California finished at 849 (288-279-282) for runner up honors with Texas A&M filling in third place at 863 (292-285-286).

Hawaii, opening strong in fifth place, slipped to 11th place despite the fine play by Inakoshi. The host A team finished 8-over 881 (291-294-296), a stroke back of Washington State (290-291-299-880).

Inakoshi took the lead early and was 8-under through 12 holes before a double bogey on the par 3, No. 3 dropped him into a tie for the head with Hall. A bogey on No. 4 dropped him a stroke back before he birdied No. 65 to get back to 6-under par. He parred his final two holes.

Hall birdied No. 13 for the outright lead until a bogey on No. 17, a par 3. Hossler birdied his finishing hole, the No. 1, par 5, and Limbhasut got to the lead following a birdie on No. 17.

Kauai natives Pono Tokioka posted a final round 75 for a 224 total and a tie for 49th place and Bryden Salvador finished at 235 for 89th place.

The Rainbow Warriors next compete in Primm, Nevada on March 7 and 8 at the Jackrabbit Invitational.