Fujikawa making his mark

When we discuss promising teen golfers from Hawaii, our attention instantly rivets on Michelle Wie whose accomplishments and failures have been in the news for seven years.

After some ups and downs, Wie’s career again appears to be on an upward trend, with the 19-year-old sophomore at Stanford having earned an LPGA tour card and recently challenging for the SBS Open title.

But let’s not forget that there’s another teen golfer from Hawaii who also is showing signs of becoming a factor on the pro tour.  Last week, 18-year-old Tadd Fujikawa – playing on a sponsor’s exemption,  earned a paycheck in a PGA Tour event.

The senior at Moanalua High birdied his final hole for a 1-under 69 to finish at 4-over 284 in the Honda Classic in Florida.  That was good for a tie for 52nd and a check of $12,800.

Fujikawa turned pro two years ago after finishing 20th at the 2007 Sony Open in Hawai’i, becoming the second-youngest player to make a cut in PGA Tour history.

He missed his first six PGA Tour cuts as a pro before making his first cut in January’s Sony Open in Hawai’i. After shooting into contention in the Sony, he finished tied for 32nd.
This week, Fujikawa received an exemption to play in Puerto Rico Open, and was invited to join legendary Puerto Rican golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez in conducting several youth clinics leading up to the event.
So, when they talk about teen golfers from Hawaii, don’t forget there’s more than one.