Kamehameha freshman Pono Yanagi grabbed the first-round lead Tuesday at the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association championships at Hokulia.
Kamehameha freshman Pono Yanagi grabbed the first-round lead Tuesday at the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association championships at Hokulia.
Buffered by a strong start, Yanagi carded a 3-over 75 and led by three strokes in the boys 13-14 division. He opened with five consecutive pars and was at 1-under through 11 holes. His worst hole was the par-5 16th, which he double-bogeyed.
Jordan Terada failed to make a birdie during a 78.
The best golf of day was played by Mid-Pacific junior Zackary Kaneshiro, who fired a 63 and led the upper boys division by six strokes.
Kaneshiro’s scorecard included 10 birdies. Punahou senior Kyle Suppa was at 69.
Kamehameha senior Preston-Lee Ching led the Big Island contingent at 73. BIIF champion Trevor Hirata and Waiakea teammate Shon Katahira each shot 75, and Makua Lani junior Matthew Rosato carded an 85.
Island Pacific junior Alanis Sakuma (72) held a one-shot lead in the girls competition. BIIF champion Kaley Saludares of Waiakea was at 83 and Kamehameha graduate Shantel Antonio was another four strokes back.
Seeking a repeat, Allysha Mae Mateo was tied for lead in girls 13-14.
The final 18 holes are Wednesday.