Friday, October 26, 2001
[HAWAII GOLF]
Two of the three defending champions at the 2001 Williams & Associates Hawaii State Open took first-round leads yesterday at the muggy Makaha Resort Golf Club. Kop leads at State Open
Star-Bulletin staff
Dean Prince opened with a 68 to set the pace for the senior field. He is the only person to win this division since its inception in 1996. Christel Tomori also held a lead after 18 holes. She fired a 1-over 73 to lead Sally Soranaka by two shots and Desiree Ting by three.
Michelle Wie managed an uncharacteristic 80. The 12-year-old from Punahou was seven shots off the pace. Also competing in the intriguing women's division is 11-year-old Stephanie Kono.
As for the men, former University of Hawaii golfer Brandan Kop kept defending champion Kevin Hayashi off the top spot on the leader board with a blistering 67. The 5-under effort gave him a two-shot advantage entering today's second round.
Conditions were ideal for golf as some 153 men and women teed it up at the West Hawaii resort. Kona breezes held steady at 10 mph with very little rain. Hayashi won last year's event by six shots.
The Big Island resident remains one of the hottest local golfers around.