Japan's Ogawa among Pearl qualifiers
Advertiser Staff
Japan LPGA Tour pro Ai Ogawa, Taeksoo Kim and Patrick Duty each shot 1-under-par 71 yesterday to lead a field of 85 players trying to qualify for 13 spots in the 29th Hawaii Pearl Open.
Players shooting 74 or better qualified.
Ogawa, an 11-year pro, birdied No. 1 and No. 9 while recording her only bogey on No. 8. This will mark Ogawa's third year in the Pearl Open. Ogawa, who embarked on a rigorous training regimen at her home in northern Japan to prepare for qualifying, will be joined by another female from Japan — Maiko Wakabayashi, who shot a 1-over 73 to tie for fourth.
Eleven-year-old Masamichi Ito's quest to play in the Pearl Open came up a few strokes short as he shot 40-37-77.
The Pearl Open will be held Friday through Sunday at the Pearl Country Club.
The low pro will receive $12,000.