Deep in a bunker behind the 12th green yesterday, Tadd Fujikawa tried in vain to peer out and set up his shot.

When that didn't work, he stepped up on tip toes in the sand, straining every inch of his 5-foot-1 frame.

When that still wasn't enough, Fujikawa jumped up and down attempting to gain a better glimpse.

It was, perhaps, the only time in a remarkable week that it could be said the 18-year-old was in over his head in the Sony Open in Hawai'i.

Despite slumping to a 3-over-par final-round 73 that dropped him from a tie for sixth to a tie for 32nd, Fujikawa was a winner far beyond the $29,237.14 check he earned for the week's work.

And so were those in attendance — such as the 12,900 he enticed out to Waialae Country Club on Saturday (no figures were available for yesterday).

That was, according to officials, a 44-percent rise in attendance for the Saturday in 2008, when Fujikawa failed to make the cut. Truth be told, Fujikawa was at least a 44-percent better performer this time around, too.

As much as he professed "disappointment" in his final round that included two birdies and five bogeys, it was, all in all, quite a week. One that, despite the final struggles, saw him just three shots away from a top-10 finish and a $145,800 paycheck.

From two qualifying rounds just to get into the gate through the four days of the tournament, Fujikawa played six largely amazing rounds, including Saturday's 62 that was the best by any player.

Consider that his 72-hole total of 5-under 275 bested the performances of seven of the 10 previous Sony Open winners who began play, including two-time champion Ernie Els, who shot 276.

Along the more than 21,000 yards he played at Waialae this week, Fujikawa earned the respect of those he played with for not only his beyond-tender-years play but the way he has hoisted an entire state on his shoulders.

"I can't imagine doing what he's done," playing partner Nathan Green said. Added Saturday's playing partner, Matthew Borchert, "I can barely deal with (what is happening) now; there's no way I could handle what he's dealing with."

For a few hours each day Fujikawa allowed us to dream along with him and wonder, "what if..." and "why not." He gave us brief respite from thoughts about the economy and weather. All the while dazzling us with his play and energizing us with that trademark tee-to-green smile.

It was why Danny Kaleikini was waving ti leaves for him. And why the groundskeepers lined up by a tree on the first hole where they had nailed up a sign that said, "Go Tadd. Bring It Home. Grounds Crew."

But even when it was apparent the magic had ebbed and the title wouldn't be his, the crowd refused to let him go quietly. They brought Fujikawa home up the 18th hole with a moving standing ovation that said he belonged.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.