Final Results for HSJGA Match Play Tournament Benefiting The Hawaii Foodbank
August 11, 2020, Statewide - After 5 weeks of exciting golf, the HSJGA Match Play Tournament Benefiting The Hawaii Foodbank has concluded. There were 120 junior golfers who participated from around the state in the first tournament of its kind administered by the HSJGA in light of the cancelation of many sports programs due to COVID-19. Each island - Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island had its own Match Play bracket. The HSJGA officiated each match from a distance to ensure safety of the golfers and continuity within the competition. Thirteen champions in various age divisions were crowned and we witnessed a tremendous buzz for competitive golf once again. The event wouldn't have been possible without the various golf facilities from around the state who opened their doors to these junior golfers during challenging times. In addition to a great event, the participants were able to give back and able to join forces in support of their community and raise $6,500 for The Hawaii Foodbank.
"Even though this year wasn’t how a lot of junior golfers had hoped, I’m so grateful HSJGA created this Match Play Tournament to give us an opportunity to play the sport we love during this challenging time. It’s “new” for all of us, but we learn from these experiences and can only grow from here. This concludes my junior golf journey and I’m so blessed to end it with a win. I will be heading out in a couple days to the University of New Mexico where I will play on the Women’s golf team. I’m looking forward to playing at the collegiate level, and can’t wait for my next chapter. Thanks again HSJGA for this last tournament I will never forget and for the memorable junior golf experience." -Myah McDonald, Girls 13-18 Oahu Champion on her experience with the tournament and upcoming college plans.
"I really enjoyed the Match Play event that the HSJGA organized. It was definitely a fun opportunity to compete since I haven't been able to since March because of COVID-19. The tournament also allowed me an opportunity to show college coaches that I was still competing and staying sharp even through the pandemic and our travel restrictions." -Noah Koshi, Senior, Hawaii Baptist Academy
“Hawaii Foodbank is incredibly grateful for the donation from the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association. Hawaii is experiencing some of the highest unemployment rates in the country due to the pandemic. In order to keep up with the increased demand in food, this generous donation from the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association’s members and their families will help Hawaii Foodbank face the unprecedented challenge of providing food for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to meet the nutritional needs of the 1 in 8 Hawaii residents who are already struggling with hunger.” -Beverly Santos, Director of Food Drive & Events
Match Play Winners:
Kauai:
Girls 13-18 Kiara Johnson, Lihue
Boys 13-18 Kade Kikuchi, Lihue
Girls 7-12 Heiley Kikuchi, Lihue
Oahu:
Girls 13-18- Myah McDonald, Kaneohe
Boys 13-18- Joshua Hayashida, Mililani
Girls 7-12- Kady Matsumoto, Mililani
Boys 7-12- Gunnar Lee, Kaneohe
Maui:
Girls 13-18- Payten Shimizu, Wailuku
Boys 13-18- Dillon Jonke, Kihei
Girls 7-12- Ava Kawahara, Wailuku
Big Island:
Girls 13-18- Elle Otani, Hilo
Boys 13-18- Dysen Park, Hilo
Boys 7-12- Jake Otani, Hilo
Please find full results here: Final Bracket Results
About Hawaii Foodbank
Hawaii Foodbank, in partnership with the food industry and community, serves as a link between charities and those in need of food assistance including the elderly, families, children and those facing financial crises each week. Last year, Hawaii Foodbank distributed more than 12 million pounds of food in Oahu and Kauai, including 3 million pounds of fresh produce. Hawaii Foodbank is a certified member of Feeding America and operates as the official food bank in the State of Hawaii. For more information, visit www.hawaiifoodbank.org or call (808) 836-3600.
About the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association:
The Hawaii State Junior Golf Association (HSJGA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that introduces the game of golf and its competitive traditions to the youth of Hawaii. The HSJGA develops life skills through fun, affordable and competitive programs that educate, motivate and inspire.
In 2019, the HSJGA conducted 19 statewide junior tournaments, 5 USGA qualifiers, sent 16 juniors to compete in national team competitions and 16 to compete in international competitions annually. The HSJGA administers annual college scholarships for high school seniors and alumni. On March 16th 2019, the HSJGA along with the Aloha Section PGA introduced 600 children to the game of golf through Hawaii Junior Golf Day, a free day of instructional golf for beginners. For program information, please contact Lauren Yama at Lauren@hsjga.org.
