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6.21.2006-
Norman-Ganin Asao of Honolulu notched his first professional win firing an
even par 72 in the final round to finish at 2-under par 142. Asao’s birdie
on the final hole gave him a one stroke victory over professionals Ivan
Cunningham (71), Jarett Hamamoto (69), David Havens (69), Regan Lee (72),
and Matt Pakkala (74). First round leader Kevin Hayashi shot a final round
77 to finish in a tie for 7th along with Chris Keiter (74) at 144.
It was Asao’s first Kona Open golf tournament. “This is the first time I’ve
played here and with this being my first professional win, I will always
cherish this”, said Asao in his victory speech.
“I wasn’t planning to play but Regan (Lee) invited me to enter. I’ve been in
Arizona the past two summers when the Kona Open was being held, so this year
it worked out.”
Asao, who played in the second to the last pairing of the day didn’t know
how the leaders were doing behind him. “I just kept playing my game, trying
to keep it in play. I’ve never played the Ocean Course so it was the first
time for me today”, said Asao.
Now in his third year as a professional, Asao found him starting to go
backwards turning at 3-over par after nine holes.
“But it helped me stay relaxed not knowing what the leaders were doing. I
just tried to keep making birdies and move up the leader board.”
Asao birdied the 10th and 13th holes and chuckles about what he and playing
partner Regan Lee chatted about while waiting to hit their approach shots on
the final hole.
“I knew Regan and I were tied and we thought we were playing for like second
or third place. We kept joking around in the fairway saying ‘I’m going to
clip you by one’ and ‘I’m going to make birdie and beat you’”, Asao said.
“So I ended up making birdie, and I was jumping up and down—I had no idea it
was for the win—I thought it was to beat Regan.”
The champion was quick to credit the putting lessons he got prior to the
tournament. “I was really not putting well of late. So Casey Nakama and
Lance Suzuki gave me a couple of putting lessons and I guess it paid off.”
“I made a few good putts coming down the stretch. I think that is real
important, especially when you win a golf tournament—you got to make those
putts.”
With the win, Asao pocketed four thousand dollars of the fifteen thousand
dollar purse.
Former UH-Hilo golfer Garrett Okamura shot a final round 71 to finish at
one-under par (143) and a two stroke victory over Kealakehe High School
stand out Henry Park in the championship flight.
Park shot 75 (145), while Patrick Finigan claimed third place with a two day
total 69-77 (146).
In the A-Flight, Keauhou-Kona resident Ken Urry held on to win despite a
final round 85 (159) and a 3-stroke triumph over Matt Kitamori 79 (162)and
Harry Welch 79 (162).
Tournament Director Peggy Ciriako was also pleased with the outcome of the
tournament. “We are all grateful to have the volunteers come out in full
force and help make this tournament a success.”
“And to (Teiko) Kuma for once again sponsoring this event—the Kuma
Contracting Corp. Kona Open was a golf tournament we all enjoyed and are
thankful for”, she said.
Submitted by Lee Hardy
Final full field results now posted for the Open flight
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A Flight
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