Golf: Three Hilo juniors tame Turtle Bay

Hilo’s Kaelyn Uchida shot a 1-over 73 last week at an Optimist qualifier at Turtle Bay on Oahu.
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If Isaiah Kanno was disappointed by his first-round exit earlier last week at the Manoa Cup, it didn’t show at Turtle Bay.

Kanno was one of three Hilo golfers to put up sterling scores Friday at a qualifier for the Optimist International Junior Championship on the North Shore of Oahu.

Pono Yanagi (1-under 71), Kanno (even-72), and Kaelyn Uchida (73) each earned berths at the championships in Florida in July, though it’s unclear if they will participate.

Yanagi finished second in the boys 16-18 flight, burying an eagle on 513-yard, par-5 No. 4 and later making birdie on the par-5 10th hole of the Fazio Course.

Kanno tied for second in boys 14-15, making an eagle on the par-5 17th to go along with three birdies.

Uchida was consistent, balancing three birdie and four bogeys to finish third in girls 15-18, one stroke ahead of her younger sister.

Also competing from Hilo were Aidan Oki (81, boys 14-15), Riku Omata (84, boys 16-18), Kailey Oki (79, girls 13-14) Elle Otani (80, girls 13-14)