University of Hawaii senior golfer Trevor Hirata’s season ended with a phone call in Arizona, and he’s taken a baseball player’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic: get ready to swing if a curveball comes.
Hirata and the rest of the Rainbow Warriors were practicing at the Grand Canyon Invitational in Arizona, when the call came that canceled the season, including the last five tournaments.
The 2016 Waiakea graduate remembers that day well.
“The last time I was on the golf course was three weeks ago in Arizona, after being told we had to come back to Oahu after playing only eight practice holes,” he said. “The coronavirus ending my season early was unfortunate, but it’s not bothering me too much.
“I’m very content with the 3 1/3 years that I had playing for UH Manoa and coach Ronn (Miyashiro). At this point, I’m just hoping everyone can stay safe from this virus and that we can see some normalcy again soon.”
The three-time BIIF champion excelled at golf while his brothers Devon, a 2019 Waiakea graduate, and Mason, a Waiakea sophomore, opted for baseball.
Hirata flew home two weeks ago and is adjusting to his new normal.
“My days now consist of some exercising, a bunch of online lectures and assignments, a lot of studying on the side for some of my other projects and commitments, and a few Netflix shows here and there.”
If there’s any consolation to his golf season, Hirata did get to come home and play at UHH’s Amer Ari Invitational at Waikoloa, where he shot a 7-over 75-77-71—223 total and placed 94th.
He finished the season with a 78.5 scoring average and was twice an academic All-Big West member.
“I plan on graduating this spring, and my competitive golfing days will more than likely end with college,” Hirata said. “My plans for the future are to take a year off and apply to medical school. Hopefully, dive into some new opportunities and hobbies.”
For now, being cooped up at home makes him reminisce about his old college life.
“What I miss the most about Manoa was just the setting I was so accustomed to, hanging out with friends, the routine of golf and school, all that stuff,” he said. “But I’ve only been back or a bit so it’s not bad at all.”
That’s especially true. Hirata knows nothing beats being at home. And nothing beats mom’s cooking.
“There’s nothing to complain about when I can eat home cooked meals every day,” he said.
