KOHALA COAST — Nick Mason made a strong move for title No. 4 at the Hawaii State Open on Friday afternoon.
The former UH-Hilo golfer fired a 5-under 67 in the opening round of the prestigious tourney to finish one stroke ahead of Oregon professional Ray Richards and two strokes ahead of Oahu’s Cory Oride.
Defending champion, TJ Esaki-Kua, is in a seven-way tie at 2-under, putting him three strokes behind Mason. Brent Grant and Kyle Suppa are tied for the lead in the Championship Flight at 3-under.
Mason birdied three of his first five holes, carding a 33 on the front-nine. He played bogey free golf outside of a double on No. 14 — a par 4. Mason closed out his day with three consecutive birdies.
There are 186 of the top amateurs and professionals competing in the year-end signature event for the Aloha Section PGA. Mauna Lani is home to the North and South courses named after Francis H. I’i Brown — known to many locals as “Mr. Golf” in Hawaii. The two championship courses host four divisions in a 54-hole stroke-play tournament: Men’s Open, Senior Open, Women’s Open and A-Flight.
In the Senior Open Division, Mike Reid leads with a 4-under, two strokes ahead of EA Tischler. Bill Walbert follows by two strokes, posting an even par 72 on the North Course. In the Senior Amateur Division, Carl Ho leads at 2-under, one stroke ahead of Phillip Anamizu and Jeff Britton.
Also on the North Course, former champion Britney Yada leads the Women’s Open. She shot a 69 in the first round.
Reese Guzman carded a 3-over to lead the lady amateurs. In A-Flight, JB Bryant leads at 5-over par, one stroke ahead of Kona’s Pat McGinness.
The second round starts at 6:45 a.m. today, with the Men’s Open Division and A-Flight on the North Course. Both the Senior Open Division and Women’s Open will tee off at 6:45 a.m. on the South Course.
For more up to date information on this event visit aspga.com