Junior golf: Hilo’s Pono Yanagi positioned to reach worlds

Hilo’s Pono Yanagi shot a 4-over 76 on Saturday on Kauai and held a four-shot lead in the ages 13-14 division heading into the final round at an IMG junior world qualifier.

Known as a long hitter, Yanagi made all three of his birdies over a five-hole span, finishing the spurt on the 520-yard, par-5 No. 1 at Wailua Golf Course in Lihue.

In boys 15-17, Kamehameha’s Preston-Lee Ching shot a 4-over 76 and was tied for eighth, seven shots behind Justin Arcano of Maui. Waiakea’s Trevor Hirata and Shon Katahira were at 77 and Kamehameha’s Kalai Pomroy shot 80.

In final round Sunday, golfers can lock down berths to junior worlds, which start July 14 on courses in and around San Diego.

Waiakea’s Kaelyn Uchida carded a 15-over 88 and was tied for eighth in girls 13-14, while Lacey Uchida was tied for eighth at 10-over in 11-12.

Hilo’s Isaiah Kanno was only two strokes off the pace on boys 11-12 after he shot a 5-over 78 and was tied for fifth. Hilo’s Dysen Park shot in boys 9-10.