Ishii wins playoff to make U.S. Senior Open

Ishii beat Chuck Davis at Waialae yesterday to earn the spot

David Ishii beat Chuck Davis at the second playoff hole of yesterday's sectional at Waialae Country Club to earn a spot in the U.S. Senior Open.

Playing for a single berth in the major event on the Champions Tour, 35 golfers took part in the 18-hole sectional. Davis and Ishii both shot 2-under-par 70s from the back tees to top the field that included 30 golfers from Hawaii.

Davis thought he had won the event on the first playoff hole, but a sure birdie turned into a routine par after his golf ball popped out of the hole. Ishii took advantage of this turn of events to par the second playoff hole from 6 feet to secure the berth.

Ishii failed to qualify late last year for the Champions Tour at qualifying school. He received a sponsor's exemption for the Turtle Bay Championship in January where he finished in a tie for 29th to earn a paycheck of $11,100.

Davis will be the first alternate at the U.S. Senior Open, which will be played in Hutchinson, Kan., the week of July 3-9. The second alternate is Dan Nishimoto, who shot a 75.