Hawai'i golf will go prime time on Jan. 16 when the inaugural Hawai'i Golf Ho'olaule'a Awards will bring all the game's different faces together to "Celebrate Golf Excellence in the Islands."

The celebration honoring Hawai'i professionals, amateurs and industry leaders will recognize more than 30 individuals, from the Aloha Section PGA to First Tee of Hawai'i. The banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $60 for adults and $45 for children (18-under).

It begins at 6 p.m. at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Registration is online (aloha.pga.com) or by calling 593-2230. Deadline is Wednesday. Proceeds benefit Aloha Section PGA Foundation.

This is the first time all the state's golf associations will celebrate together. Among those being honored are Dr. Richard Ho, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawai'i State Golf Association, and Jay Hinazumi, the HSGA's Volunteer of the Year.

Punahou graduate, and University of San Diego freshman, Alex Ching is the HSGA's Amateur Golfer of the Year and the high school Player of the Year. Ching won five Hawai'i tournaments last year, including the 100th Manoa Cup and state high school championship. Phil Anamizu is Senior Amateur of the Year.

The Hawai'i State Junior Golf Association will honor eight Players of the Year in different age groups, including Cassy Isagawa and high school seniors David Fink and Kristina Merkle, also the Outstanding Girls high school Player of the Year.

Kaua'i Lagoons Director of Golf Scott Ashworth is Aloha Section Professional of the Year. Ashworth started his Hawai'i career at Ko Olina, went to the Mainland, then returned to help with the three-year, $13 million renovation of the two Ka'anapali courses and clubhouse before taking over at Lagoons.

He has been heavily involved in Kaua'i junior golf, as well as mentoring several PGA apprentices. He is currently Aloha Section PGA Secretary and was the Billy Casper Golf Management Company Head Golf Professional of the Year in 2005.

GolfTEC Honolulu's John Lynch earned Aloha Section Player of the Year honors for the second time in five years. The honor includes a spot in next week's Sony Open in Hawai'i. Lynch has won more than 10 section events in the last eight years, including the 2008 Stroke Play Championship.

Hilo Muni's Lance Taketa is Senior Player of the Year. The Section will also honor University of Hawai'i-Hilo coach and Big Island junior leader Earl Tamiya with its Distinguished Service Award.

Claude Brousseau is Teaching Professional of the Year. He started at Kapalua Golf Academy in 2006 and has made a significant impact on the academy's growth and development in his short time on Maui. He also is an assistant coach for Lahainaluna's girls team. His instructional articles have been featured in Golf Magazine and Golf Digest and he is a contributing writer for Inside Golfer and Golfing Magazine, which named him Hawai'i's top teacher in 2007.

Hualalai's Earl Sanders is Golf Course Superintendent of the Year. Sanders worked with Jack Nicklaus' team for several years at the private course. He helps with everything from course improvements and maintenance at the Champions Tour site to offering all guests a shoe cleaning service, a rare amenity that also rids shoes of any contaminating seeds or grass.

HAWAI'I GOLF HO'OLAULE'A AWARDS

ALOHA SECTION PGA

Golf Professional of the Year: Scott Ashworth, PGA Kauai Lagoons G.C. Teacher of the Year: Claude Brousseau, PGA Kapalua Golf Academy. Player of the Year: John Lynch, PGA GolfTEC Honolulu. Senior Player of the Year: Lance Taketa, PGA Hilo Municipal G.C. President's Award: Anthony Guerrero, Jr. Distinguished Service Award: Earl Tamiya. Horton Smith Trophy: Jerry King, PGA Kapalua Golf Academy. Bill Strausbaugh Award: Michael Castillo, PGA Princeville Makai Course.

Junior Golf Leader: Ben Hongo, PGA Kapalua Golf Academy. Merchandiser of the Year, Resort: Ed Kageyama, PGA Ka'anapali Golf Resort. Merchandiser of the Year, Private: Jason Bangild, PGA Nanea Golf Club. Merchandiser of the Year, Public: Kevin Ginoza, PGA Makalei G.C. Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Kendric Kimizuka, Kauai Lagoons G.C. Presidents Plaque: Tim Herek, PGA Hawaii Prince Golf Club. Sales Representative of the Year: Les Tamashiro, Titleist.

HAWAI'I STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION

Amateur Golfer of the Year: Alex Ching. Senior Amateur of the Year: Phil Anamizu. Volunteer of the Year: Jay Hinazumi. Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Richard Ho.

HAWAI'I STATE JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION

Player of the Year 10 & Under Girls: Kristeena Locke. Player of the Year 10 & Under Boys: Sian Rogers. Player of the Year 11-12 Girls: Ciera Min. Player of the Year 11-12 Boys: George Corpuz. Player of the Year 13-14 Girls: Cassy Isagawa. Player of the Year 13-14 Boys: Aaron Kunitomo. Player of the Year 15-18 Girls: Kristina Merkle. Player of the Year 15-18 Boys: David Fink. Player of the Year 13-18 Girls: Cassy Isagawa.

Hawai'i Golf Course Superintendents Assn.

Hawai'i Golf Course Superintendent of the Year: Earl J. Sanders, CGCS.

FIRST TEE OF HAWAI'I

Volunteers of the Year: Janice & Bill Blaser. First Eagle Level Participant: Tripp Blaser.

HAWAI'I HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Outstanding Boys Golfer of the Year: Alex Ching.

Outstanding Girls Golfer of the Year: Kristina Merkle.

Outstanding Woman Golfer and Outstanding Volunteer will not be announced until awards celebration.