Kristina Merkle might be too young to realize the history that surrounds the 58th annual Jennie K. Wilson Invitational. But this much she knows for sure: After the past two years, the Moanalua High School junior is now part of that history.

Merkle, who made the new age minimum of 16 on the number, will attempt to win her third straight Jennie K. beginning tomorrow at Mid-Pacific Country Club. She is coming off a huge high school season that saw her win the O'ahu Interscholastic Association title by 12 shots, then capture the state high school title with birdie on the final hole last week.

It was especially sweet after she wasn't eligible to play last year because she turned in school work late after a trip.

"It bothered her a lot," said father and coach Lou Merkle, head pro at Walter Nagorski Golf Course. "She said, 'Dad, I want to win that next year.' I think she feels better now."

"I wanted to make a statement," Kristina said, "that I'm back and doing well in school, and my game is good, too."

Last year at Jennie K. she demolished the competition on the final day, winning by 13 shots. The bashing put her in prestigious company. It was the largest winning margin since Lori Castillo won by 17 in 1983, setting a tournament record in the process. That is second only to Tura Nagatoshi's 21-shot domination in 1970.

Castillo and Nagatoshi are in the Hawai'i Golf Hall of Fame.

Merkle, who won by five the year before over 12-year-old Kyung Kim, also became only the fifth golfer in the 57-year history of Jennie K. to defend her title, joining Anna Umemura and Hall of Famers Jackie Yates Holt, Ramona McGuire and Joan Damon. Damon is the only one to win it more than twice in a row, capturing the year's first Hawai'i women's major from 1961 to '64, and adding two more titles.

Merkle has the time and talent to chase her down. Her dad admits "she has had a club in her hand since she was born" and he started her in the game at 4. Two years later she was playing tournaments. Now she is fielding scholarship offers.

Merkle thrives in front of a crowd. She hits up to 300 balls a day and her father senses her shots get more impressive as people gather.

"Whenever she's at the range she's fairly serious when people are around," Lou said. "She's a showman. Her concentration is not as good if the range is empty, but if people are around her concentration level gets better."

She has loved the crowds in Lanikai the past two years, saving her best for the final round while others have faltered. She closed with 73 both years, giving mother Jade an unforgettable Mother's Day gift in 2006 and coasting last year with caddie Ty Otake keeping her in a great frame of mind.

That aspect of the game is what Merkle feels has improved most. "I believe before, on the golf course, I got upset way too easily and I couldn't get over it that quick," she said. "Now I just try to forget about it and focus on the next shot."

It worked last week with her peers. It is even more important this week.

"In an adult event your mentality has to change," she said. "You have to be much more mature. You're playing with people who are older and have much more experience. I don't want people to think I'm just some kid trying to do anything. I want to make sure I give myself a good name. The women in this tournament are great players and wonderful people. It's fun to play with them."

This year's Championship Flight also includes 2007 state high school champion Anna Jang, and 2007 state stroke play champion Xyra Suyetsugu, who just finished her collegiate career at University of Hawai'i. Maui schoolteacher Bobbi Kokx, who won the Jennie K. in 1984 and 2000, is also playing.