Off the Fringe
Fujita showed he
hasn’t lost his swingAT 68, Art Fujita can still swing a mean stick.
During a recent gathering of former Manoa Cup champions at the Oahu Country Club last week, he had no problem finding the fairways and greens at the hilly mountainside course in Nuuanu.
"I told my friends during the summer that before I get to 69, I'm going to shoot my age," said Fujita, who will celebrate his birthday on Sept. 16.
"I came close a couple of times, but not yet."
One of those times was at OCC last week. Even though scoring was done based on a two-ball (low gross, low net) team format, Fujita, a 2-handicapper, fired a 2-over 73 at the 6,005-yard layout.
Not bad for someone who plays golf just once a week.
"The score really didn't matter," said Fujita. "It was great just to be among the past champions of the Manoa Cup."
Fujita, who won the prestigious match-play title in 1964, was one of 14 past winners to revisit OCC. Also there were Ken Miyaoka (1961, '66, '68, '71, '72, '75), Jack Omuro ('60), Clyde Rego ('78), Al Souza ('80), Kalua Makalena ('81), Les Uyehara ('84), Brandan Kop ('83, '86, '97, '98), Curtis Kono ('87), Shane Abe ('88), Reynold Lee ('94), Shane Hoshino ('99), Randy Shibuya (2000) and defending champion Ryan Koshi.
All were there to bring attention to this year's Manoa Cup, set for June 3-8 at OCC.
"I think OCC did a tremendous service to bring the former champions back for a chance to mingle," Fujita said.
"Not too many organizations do that kind of stuff."
Fujita tries to make the trip from his home on Kauai to Oahu for the event, which includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf and lunch.
And if it means giving up a day of fishing, then so be it.
"I love throw-net fishing," said Fujita, who retired from teaching in 1996. "We usually fish right at the Wailua river mouth, near Lydgate park. We catch mullet, occasionally we catch akule. Mostly I go for mullet during the season."
Fishing is a big part of Fujita's life now. As for golf?
"I'm involved in the Kauai junior golf program" said Fujita, who used to play on most weekends at the Ala Wai and Navy-Marine courses when he won the Manoa Cup 38 years ago. "And I have been the Kauai section chairperson for the Publinx (Public Links Qualifying Tournament) since '85. But I think when I reach 78, I'm going to give some younger people the opportunity to do their thing."
Golf will always be a part of Fujita's life.
Besides, when you can still shoot a 73 at the age of 68 and say you have won the Manoa Cup, how can it not be?
Maybe a 68 is not that far off in Fujita's scorecard after all.
Short putts: Qualifying for the Manoa Cup begins June 3 at OCCbeginning at 7 a.m.
First- and second-round matches are set for June 4, with the third round scheduled on June 5. The quarterfinals are June 6, semifinals on June 7 and final on June 8.
Star-Bulletin assistant sports editor Randy Cadiente is a once-a-week hacker who carries a 15-handicap. He can be reached at 529-4785 or: rcadiente@starbulletin.com