Waiakea leads
boys golf by 6 strokes
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii >> Waiakea High School took advantage of ideal conditions at the Waikoloa Beach Resort yesterday to secure a six-stroke lead after the opening round of the David Ishii Foundation Boys State Golf Championship Tournament.
The Warriors were led by Gabriel Wilson, who shot an even-par 72 to help the Warriors to a first-day total of 298. Kauai High and Mid-Pacific Institute enter today's final round tied for second at 304.
"This championship is far from over," Waiakea coach Lee Hardy said. "With conditions like this and how the course is set up, it's the right recipe for the players to take it low."
Despite the good conditions, only two golfers managed to break par. They are Troy Higashiyama of Mid-Pac and Travis Toyama of University High. Both opened the 36-hole tournament with 1-under rounds of 71. Wilson and Earl Mederios of Waianae High are tied for third one shot off the pace.
OIA individual champion Chase Chulakote of Kailua opened with a 4-over 76 and will have to shoot a sizzling final round to claim the individual title. He already has won the Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play championship earlier this year.
Toyama carded an eagle and four birdies to offset five bogeys en route to his 71. Higashiyama countered with one eagle, two birdies and 12 pars to keep pace with his Oahu counterpart.
Baldwin and Hilo began the day tied for fourth with 312 totals.