Tadd Fuijikawa was not only the biggest news in Hawaii, but nationally as well. The 16 year old 5′1″ golfer amassed legions of fans during the Sony Open this past weekend. He finished 20th with 5 under par. Remember, this is playing against many top players in the world. Michelle Wie was 9 over after the first day in second to last place, while Tadd was 4 under and tied for 8th.

Tadd is obviously overshadowed by the hype that is Michelle Wie. Michelle had a lot of expectations coming into the Sony Open, especially playing the course she was brought up on. Thinking she would do great, it was another disappointment for Wie fans. Fortunately, the kid from Moanalua high school took the limelight. Not only did he play well, but he played extremely well considering the players he was up against.

It’s hard not to like him. He brings a smile that shows he loves the game. His signature, I’m sure soon to be his trademark, uppercut after a great shot brings excitement. He has already amounted to so much. Yes, he played as an amateur. But he basically wrote history as being the youngest player to make a PGA tour cut in 50 years…yes, 50 years. And he did well too. Maybe it’s too soon to tout him as the next Michelle Wie. But then again, he played well…extremely well that you would never have thought he was an amateur, much less only 16 years old.

Hopefully, the humbly and happy Tadd will continue to play well. His golf game is great, but it’s his personality that really shines. Things will only look brighter for this talented 16 year old.

If you receive Sunday newspaper, you may have noticed over the holidays a Sony catalogue with none other than local heroine Michelle Wie. We all know that Sony has signed on Michelle Wie in hopes that the Punahou standout will live up to everyone’s expectations. Not only that, but being the youngest professional female golfer out there, she’ll always get some sort of buzz. And with that kind of buzz, Sony will definitely get more exposure.

The cover (courtesy of The Honolulu Advertiser) shows Michelle holding a baking tray with red Sony digital cameras, as if they were holiday cookies.

Sony seems to have been using Michelle everywhere they go. When I was in San Francisco, I saw an ad in a mall with her showing off the Sony cameras.

Hopefully things will go well for Michelle at the Sony Open here in Hawaii. She tees off today at 8am. We all know that she hasn’t won any championships yet, but if she can do well here, it will be good for Sony…and being that it IS the Sony Open, I would hope she does well.

With Michelle earning a reported $19.5 million in just endorsements (by Nike, Sony, and Omega as far as I know), she better live up to her hype. She is still very young and has years to perfect her game. Any way you look at it, she still is amazing as much as she has accomplished.

Good luck Michelle!

The Hawaii Country Club (HCC) is one of Oahu’s little know golf courses. Played mostly by locals and military (due to it’s close proximity to bases), the HCC is stuck right in the middle of a couple of pineapple fields. Traveling west bound on the H1 you take the Kunia North Exit 5B and travel past the new strips malls and the Wal-Mart on your right. The four lane road quickly becomes two lanes as you begin to shuffle through pineapple fields. The Wainae Coast and it’s mountain range is visible to the west and you begin to wonder if there really is a golf course way back here.

Around a bend you see a faded sign for the Hawaii Country Club on your right hand side. Park at in the worn lot and check in at the club house. If you need a snack there is a nice restaurant down below serving up some real local dishes. They have beer as well which you’ll need at the end of the day. The sun is almost always out on this side of the island.

There is a driving range next to the first tee which like most of the course has a fenced off tee box. The course is a true island course weaving in and out of the next hole barely missing some greens with you tee shot. The length is 5900 yards and it’s a par 72. Be prepared for a few dog legs and if you can get hold of your driver keep it in the bag on some of these holes. You’ll miss the turn and be in a poor position to capitalize on some easy approach shots.

The greens are kept fairly nice although don’t expect world class. They have begun to redo some of the holes here and make the course something beautiful. As you can tell from the picture they don’t have to try very hard. Quite a few holes have full views of the south shore including Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and as you can see, Diamond Head in the distance.

Bring some water and as always bring your camera. There are club rentals available although I’ll have to check on pricing. Look back and I’ll have it for you in the next couple of weeks.

Aloha and for more posts on golfing in Hawaii check our Golfing on Oahu Page