MID-PACIFIC OPEN

Mid-Pacific Open started its tradition by combining the Lanikai Cup for amateurs and the Campos Trophy for local golf professionals into one prestigious event. The Mid-Pacific Country Club and its proud members have continued to uphold this fine golfing tradition for more than 61 years.

The inaugural Mid-Pacific Open was held in 1956 and Guinea Kop was crowned as the first tournament champion, shooting an impressive 72-hole tournament score of 285. In 1968, touring golf professional Jerry Barber set the tournament record of 14 under par. This record remained for the next 18 years until up and coming golf professional David Ishii posted a 72-hole gross score of 271, shattering the record by 3 strokes. This tournament record still stands today. David went on to win another two times with his most recent victory in 2006.

The names etched on the Open perpetual trophy are some of Hawaii’s Golfing Legends and inductees into the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame. Ted Makalena, Jimmy Ukauka, Larry Stubblefield and Ron Castillo have all had this honor. Recent Hall of Fame inductee Lance Suzuki had his name engraved on our Open Trophy a record-setting eight times. This record will not be matched for a long time, if ever.

Other “repeat” winners include three-time champion Greg Meyers and two-time champion Allan Yamamoto. As the legacy of golfing greats continued into the 21st Century, Guinea Kop’s grandson, Regan Lee, captured the title in 2002, 2003, and 2004 becoming Mid-Pacific Open’s first three-peat winner. In 2009, Tadd Fujikawa became the most recent two-time winner. In 2010, Maui-native Samuel Cyr captured the title followed by Nathan Lashley of Arizona in 2011. Nick Mason, another “local boy”, beat Lashley in a playoff to take the title in 2012. Kamehameha Schools’ and University of Hawaii graduate T.J. Kua set a new course record of 62 in 2013, beating the old course record set by Greg Meyers. This occurred in the 2nd round and Kua went on to win the tournament!

While continuing the Mid-Pacific Open’s legendary history, this tournament is one of Hawaii’s premier golfing events. Along with ASPGA’s Hawaii State Open, it remains the only open tournament for Hawaii professionals. One of only three, 72-hole tournaments in the State, the Open attracts golfers from all islands and abroad who want to see their name etched on the coveted trophy.