[ GOLF ]
There was a time when Big Island resident Kevin Hayashi dominated nearly every local golf tournament of note. If he wasn't posing with a trophy and a cardboard check, he was close enough to shake hands with the winner as they walked off the 18th green. Hayashi back on
top at Mid-PacStar-Bulletin staff
But lately, other golfers around the island chain have taken turns winning the major events, leaving Hayashi holding the bag. That may change this weekend.
Hayashi and Philip Chun emerged yesterday as the second-round leaders of the Mid-Pac Open, replacing defending champion Regan Lee atop the leaderboard. Hayashi carded a 1-under 71 to post a two-day total of 141.
Chun's 2-under 70 was the best round of the day, affording him the opportunity to be in today's final group with Hayashi as the 72-hole event enters the third round. One shot back at 142 is Lee, who struggled to a 2-over 74 after opening with a 4-under 68 on Thursday.
Jerry Mullen is in fourth with consecutive rounds of 72. His even-par effort is one stroke better than four golfers coming in with two-day totals of 145. Included in that group is Larry Stubblefield, who won the Mid-Pac Open two years ago. Joining the former PGA Tour player at 1 over after 36 holes are Tommy Ukauka, Brian Sasada and Kevin Carll.
Those in the pro flight are competing for a first-place check of $6,000. As usual, the golfers played through the rain and the wind. This year, the rough has come into play as well, which may explain some of the higher scores.
Parker McLachlin holds a two-shot advantage over Brandan Kop and Mark Chun in the championship flight. The former UCLA golfer shot consecutive rounds of 72 for a 144 total. Kop and Chun finished their opening 36 holes at 2-over 146.
David Hamada's 74 yesterday gave him a comfortable lead in the A flight. His two-day 152 total is seven shots better than Ronald Ching. Vincent Yim is on top in the B flight at 161. He has a three-shot lead over Don Miyashita.