A 16-year-old golf phenom just turned pro today. You know who. Yes, Tadd Fujikawa announced today that he is turning pro. Remember that 5-foot-1 guy who sent the gallery into a frenzy with his eagle on the 18th hole to make the cut at the Sony Open? There he was the youngest player to make the cut on the PGA Tour in 50 years. The youngest player ever to make the cut on the PGA Tour was Bob Panasik who was 4 months younger than Tadd when he did it at the Canadian Open in 1957. Anyway, Tadd finished in 20th place at the Sony Open that year, which would have given him $70,000 if he were pro. In case you didn’t know, he was also the youngest player ever played in the U.S. Open in its 106 years of history.

As for the first tournament of his career, Tadd is making his pro debut in three weeks at the Reno-Tahoe Open where he already received a sponsor’s exemption. He actually made his professional debut today at the Mililani Golf Club in a friendly tournament, which his team won. His first professional earning was whopping $25.

However, he does have a tough road ahead. He will be constant compared to another Hawaii phenom, Michelle Wie, who is having a bit of slump lately. By the way, what is up with all the haters of Michelle Wie? Can’t they just give her a break until she gets healthy and brings her game back? I do agree, however, Tadd does seem to have more humility in him that fits his age than Michelle Wie, and he does seem to be enjoying more on the course. Maybe Michelle should seek some advice from him? Who knows… Going back to Tadd, he has to rely on sponsor’s exemptions or keep trying to qualifying for events (PGA, Nationwide, or Japanese Tour) since he can’t even go to the qualifying school until he turns 18.

I am not quite sure why he didn’t wait longer to go pro. I wish he played more as an amateur and build his game up and maybe try to win the U.S. Amateur first to build his legitimacy. I wish I knew what his motive was to turn pro… No matter what, we will be behind him cheering him on though. I just love the little guy whacking the ball like any other big name professional golfers.

Go, Tadd; show them what you got!

• Amazing Tadd
• Tadd and Michelle Struggle in the First Round
• Teen Golfers Get Ready To Tee Off

Tags: Golf, Michelle Wie, Tadd Fujikawa

               
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