2.24-2013-- With a heavy heart this morning the committee of the Hilo Invitational announced the cancellation of this year’s tournament. Despite every best effort made by the course superintendents to prepare for the event it would not be enough to overcome the heavy rain. As daylight broke through the clouds it was evident the course conditions were unsafe for the players to complete the final round.\

The announcement was made at 745AM this morning to the players, expressing the committees gratitude to everyone who traveled from the neighbor islands and mainland to support the annual tournament. The committee also expressed a special Mahalo to the sponsors in the PRO-AM who help raise money for the Big Island Junior Golf Association.

The Hilo Invitational is one of Hawaii’s most unique tournaments in which all the money raised goes directly to Big Island Junior Golf thanks to the many friends of tournament chairs Kevin Hayashi and Lance Taketa. Despite the weather conditions, some of Hawaii’s best local amateurs and professionals come together to support the passion they have for the juniors of Hilo. It’s a gathering of friends, filled with laughter, and good local fun.

On behalf of the Aloha Section PGA we are grateful for this tournament in Hawaii and what it contributes back to our local golf community. We are also grateful for the amateurs and professionals that take time away from work to compete. It’s sad when a passionate event like this is cancelled due to weather beyond anyone’s control but we look forward to supporting this event for many more years to come.