Through the Green A CONVERSATION WITH DAVID. The importance of golf is to see what you can do to grow as a person and improve yourself.

Transcription

1 Through the Green DAVID S. ISHII FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER INAUGURAL ISSUE FEBRUARY 2002 A CONVERSATION WITH DAVID For most people, reaching the age of 50 probably means surviving their share of Big 5-0 comments, humorous birthday cards and possibly a reunion with equally mature high school classmates. Although still a few years away for David Ishii, 50 represents a goal to shoot for to compete on the Senior PGA Tour rather than just another birthday to be endured. David describes his goal of qualifying for the Senior Tour as a long shot at best. Only eight players qualify for the Senior Tour each year, he says. It s going to be tough, he acknowledges with his usual modesty. Those who have followed David s brilliant career, however, remain optimistic of his chances in spite of the odds. Typical of his character, David s concern these days is focused more on others than himself. Four years ago, when the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) sought sponsors for the boys and girls state golf championships, the 1973 state champion from Kauai High School stepped up to the tee and committed his own funds to serve as the title sponsor of the event. Encouraged by his wife Lorraine and assisted by his close friends, David laid the groundwork to establish a foundation that would ensure support for the HHSAA tournament beyond his own playing days into perpetuity. Beyond that goal, he envisioned a foundation that could also offer college scholarships to young golfers and perhaps even assist them in defraying travel and other expenses so that they might be free to pursue the game they love. A few years ago, while participating in the Hilo Invitational golf tournament, David was impressed by the community spirit displayed at that event. The importance of golf is to see what you can do to grow as a person and improve yourself. I spoke to friends who had established foundations that enabled them to raise money and provide scholarships independent of themselves or their companies. He engaged their help, plunked down the seed money, and the David S. Ishii Foundation was officially formed in David s belief in golf as a lifelong learning tool for Hawaii s youth is founded on his own experiences, beginning as a Junior Golfer at the age of 5. We were lucky to be involved at a time when everything was just starting out. There were highly committed, enthusiastic adults that drove the program, he recalls. Golf wasn t so popular then not like today when everything is so much more competitive. In spite of his success, David believes that the true value of golf is not in the winning. Golf is a game that invites failure, he philosophizes. In the course See Conversation, continued on page 2

2 David S. Ishii Foundation P.O. Box 2927 Aiea, Hawaii OFFICERS David Ishii President Lorraine Ishii Vice President Fay Nagata Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Ishii Chair Warren Haruki Vice Chair Allan Ikawa Lorraine Ishii Ann Miller Elton Tanaka Tracy Tanji Wendell Tom Allan Yamamoto Honorary Director GEN Eric K. Shinseki Golf Tournament Elton Tanaka Director David Ishii Advisor Tournament Committee Dayton Asato, Marilyn Chinen, Ted Ganade, Arnold Hiura, Lorraine Ishii, Ann Miller, Amy Nguyen, Neal Okamoto, Bill Sato, Steve Shishido, Tracy Tanji, Wendell Tom, Allan Yamamoto, Guy Yamamoto, Pauline Yanagisawa and Rudy Yanagisawa Junior Golf Scholarship Committee Neil Okamoto Chair Dayton Asato Yasuko Asada Pat Ariki Jay Hinazumi Newsletter Arnold Hiura Editor, MBFT Media Eloise Nakama Coordinator, MBFT Media Victor Castro Obun Hawaii Group Conversation, continued from page 1 of a round, you will make mistakes, hit many less than perfect shots, miss putts and basically fail a lot. In any tournament there can only be one winner; everyone else loses. Life is like that, he explains. In golf, everyone plays at a different level, yet everyone can find some satisfaction in achieving something. The importance of golf is to see what you can do to grow as a person and improve yourself. These days, if he is not playing as well as he d like, David finds satisfaction by playing a tournament within a tournament an inner tournament to see if I can improve, or stop repeating a mistake. Try to find the good part of what you do. Try hard and find enjoyment in what you re doing. As he reflects on his storybook career, David remembers some words of advice that the renowned Japanese pro Tommy Nakajima once gave him to help put his career in perspective. Think of your career as a round of golf, Nakajima said. Sometimes you re going to make a par, a birdie, then a bogey, maybe even a double bogey along the way. It s up and down. Whatever happens, you pick up your ball, move to the next tee just keep going. You try to recover come back from a double bogey and do the best you can on the next one. If a career is indeed like a round of golf, then David s is well under par. The Senior Tour would be an eagle. And his foundation an ace. Try hard... and find enjoyment in what you re doing. ]n-] [ A loha, and welcome to the first issue of Through the Green, the newsletter of the David S. Ishii Foundation. We will be publishing it periodically to keep you abreast of the foun dation s activities. According to the USGA, through the green is defined as the entire golf course, except for tees, greens and designated hazards. In tournament play, the phrase is used to mean that everything is in play. Through the Gre een is the foundation s way of say]y-] ing to Hawaii s young golfers: pursue your goals, play it as it lies, an ]nd strive to be the best you can along the way... [ ]s] ] Aloha,

3 DSIF Scholarship Awards The first scholarships to be awarded by the David S. Ishii Foundation were presented to Chais Paiva and Katherine Atebara, both graduates of Hilo High School. David Ishii made the presentations of $2,000 to each recipient at the DSIF s 2001 golf tournament on June 6. Paiva is attending Loyola Marymount and Atebara is matriculating at Washington University at St. Louis DSIF College Scholarhips Available The David S. Ishii Foundation wishes to encourage the attainment of higher education goals for members of high school golf teams in the Sate of Hawaii. Hawaii high school seniors graduating in the academic school year who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, were active members of their high school golf teams, and plan on attending college full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university is elligible. Application forms may be obtained by writing to: DSIF Scholarship Fund Committee, P.O.Box 2927, Aiea, HI Deadline for completed application and materials is May 15, DAVID ISHII Career Highlights Katie Atebara and Chais Paiava proudly accept $2,000 scholarship awards from David. Mission A non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to promote and advance the game of golf, and to educate the public as to its benefits to society. Goal The primary goal of the David S. Ishii Foundation is to fund the annual Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Golf Championships for Boys and Girls. The foundation will also provide college scholarships and financial aid for junior golfers pursuing golfing excellence. Mahalo to Donors Yasuko Asada Samuel Pratt Marcus and Micah Chizuko Hayama Emi Takano Yamamoto Chie Ishibe Mark Tanji Mr. & Mrs. Yoshe Tad Miura Yoshikawa > 1990 Hawaiian Open (now Sony Open) Champion > Winner of 14 JPGA Championships > 1987 JPGA Money Leader > Six-time Hawaii Pearl Open Champion > Two-time Hawaii State Open Champion > Graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1977 from the University of Houston > 1973 Hawaii State High School Champion > Sponsor of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Golf Championships since 1996

4 2001 Golf Tourney a Resounding Success A committed group of 25 gold, bronze and silver sponsors, along with a full field of 204 golfers, launched the inaugural David S. Ishii Foundation Golf Tournament past even its most optimistic fundraising targets. Even as the ceremonial presentation check was being readied for unveiling at the post tourney banquet, additional contributions continued to boost the total upward from $30,000, past $40,000, and nearly reaching $50,000. The funds will be used to continue the foundation s annual sponsorship of the annual state high school golf championships for boys and girls and provide scholarships to deserving high school golfers entering college. The foundation is also seeking to establish a financial aid fund that will assist junior golfers with travel expenses to tournaments. Beyond the financial benefits, the tournament was a fun-filled event that included a silent auction, lunch music by Mark Conching and the Tropichords, lunch from renowned Hawaii Chef Sam Choy, banquet dinner by Pearl Country Club and Zippy s, and music from ukulele virtuosos Jake and Bruce Shimabukuro. HOLD THIS DATE! Wednesday June 5, 2002 Second Annual David S. Ishii Foundation Golf Tournament Pearl Country Club Mahalo! 2001 Tournament Sponsors GOLD Big Island Candies First Hawaiian Bank Sears Verizon Hawaii SILVER Mrs. Yasuko Asada Newtown Golf Driving Range Mr. Tadao & Mrs. Tsuneko Yamaoka (Above) K-5 TV broadcast analyst Chris McLachlin handles emcee duties. (Above right) Jake Shimabukuro and Colan Ishii enjoy the post -tournament festivities. (Right) Michael Castillo presents a check for $5,000 to David Ishii on behalf of the Aloha Section PGA. The Aloha Section PGA board of directors voted unanimously to donate the sum to the DSIF in recognition of the significant and selfless contributions David Ishii has made over his entire golf career back to the game of golf, specifically towards the advancement of interscholastic and junior golf. The Aloha Section PGA s members and apprentices are proud to have David as a member of our association. BRONZE Alex Brenner American Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Ameron International Carey & Iris Inouye Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. HHSAA International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Koa Trading Company Koga Engineering & Construction, Inc. Matson Navigation Company Meadow Gold Dairies Pacific Transfer Plumbers and Fitters Local 675 SportsMedicine Hawaii, Ltd. Tamura Super Market Trans-Pacific Links, LLC HOLE-IN-ONE Japan Airlines Pflueger Acura

5 G o l f To u r n a m e n t D o n o r s Stan Agena, Fujitsu Communications Yurio Akitomi, Professional Aloha Golf Shop, Inc. Arakaki Physical Therapy Art & Signs Fred and Masayo Asada Bob Belbas, Pflueger Acura Michael Boulware, Hawaiian Isles Water Brad Bowen, Maui C.C. Michael Castillo, Poipu Bay G.C. Walter T. C. Chang T. C. Chen, Professional Wes Chong, Avis Rent-a-Car Stuart Chun, Prudential Kelsey Deguchi, RK Sales, Inc. Russell Endo, Ali Kessner, McCully Bicycle J. B. Falbo, Sandalwood G.C. Andrew Feldman, Oahu C.C. Martha Fernandes Ed Fiori Dana Fong Del Marc Fujita Jehu Fuller, Ko olau G.C. Tim Gehrig, Wilson Tony Guerrero, First Hawaiian Bank Mr. Hamada, Titleist, Japan Tour Todd Hamilton, Professional Larry Harris, Spalding Sports Warren Haruki, Verizon Hawaii Robin Hashimoto, Barbers Point G.C. Richard Hee, Island Air Barry Helle, Wailea Golf Resort, Inc. Roger Higa, Zippy s Shigemasa Higaki, Professional Cary Honda Toshio Hosoya Ron Huffman, Coral Creek G.C. Allan Ikawa, Big Island Candies Guy Ikehara Jimmy Ikoma, Nishimoto Trading Co. Marc Imamura, MCI Imaging Fumihiko Indei, Aisen Chiryo Doin Inc. Ethel Ishii Dean Ishikawa, Fred s Produce Darlene Johnson, The Dunes at Maui Lani Ed Kageyama, Luana Hills G.C. KC Drive Inn Ken Kajihara, Panasonic Co. West Dean Kaneshiro Norman Katayama, Makaha Resort G.C. Mr. Kato and Mr. Arimoto, Mizuno Japan Koichi Kawahara, Elleair Maui G.C. Clayton Kim, Pint Size Corp. Alan Kimi, Sand & Seaside Hotels Gilbert Kimura, Japan Airlines Minao Kimura, Mahina, Inc. Paul Kimura, City Fender & Body Service, Ltd. Charles & Mary Bea P. King Deano Kiyohara Bob Klein, Jr., Graeagle Meadows Golf Shop Mr. Kojima, PRGR Japan Brandan & Gail Kop, Kop Distributors David Kowalczyk, Honolulu C.C. Massy Kuramoto, JPGA Toby Kusaka, Germaine s Luau Scott Laycock, Professional Larry Lee, Princeville G.C. Mr. Lee, Taylor Made Japan Hiroshi Makino, JPGA Kurt Matsumoto, Mauna Lani Resort John S. Mauro, Waikoloa Village G.C. Hajime Meshiai, Professional Mililani G.C. Ann Miller Bruce T. Miyashiro, D.D.S. Dennis T. Miyashiro Shinji Munekuni Kiyoshi Murota, JPGA Yuji Nagai, East West Journal Jon Nagata (Left-right): Tournament director Elton Tanaka presents a check for $30,000, uh $40,000 to Lorraine and David Ishii. The sum eventually approached $50,000. Mel Nagata, Waikele G.C. N. Nakamura, Kapolei G.C. Greg Nichols, Waialae C.C. Scott Nishimura Sanford Nojima, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Dean Okada, Genki Sushi, Inc. Garrett Omuro Clyde T. Oshiro, CPA T. George Paris, Ironworkers Union Local 625 Charles Park, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Pearl Country Club Christian Pena, JPGA Lori Planos Mike Reid Chris Resich, Hilo Hattie Peter Rice, Classic Resorts Golf Tournament Volunteers Mark Rolfing, Rolfing Sports Ron s Construction Corp. Mr. Saito, Ben Hogan Co. Japan Mr. Sato, Daiwa Japan Phil Scellato, Phil s Gold John Schroeder, Cooke Island Distribution Toyo Shirai Hidezumi Shirakota, JPGA Grant Sim, Sam Choy s Restaurants Scott Simpson, Professional Russell Siu, Kakaako Kitchen Tom Stanfill, Hickam Mamala Bay Golf Course Doug Stephenson & Brandon Moynahan, Castle & Cooke Resorts Paul Sugimoto Dr. Yukio & Mrs. Fay Sumida Les Tamashiro, Titleist Hawaii Barry Taniguchi, KTA Super Stores Wendell Tom Katsuyoshi Tomori, JPGA Gerald Tomosawa, S & B Foods Robert Tomosawa Elbert Tsuchimoto, ET Graphics Daisy Tsui, Panda Travel Tommy Ukauka, BayView G.C. Les Uyehara Bert Wagatsuma, CPA Carleton Williams Dee Dee Wilson-Krason Greg Wong & S. Lani Aranio, Kauai Lagoons Resort Co. Guy Yamamoto, Olomana a G.C. Hisashi Yamamoto Maurice Yamasato Eric Yasunaga Randy & Mabel Yawata & Family Tsuyoshi Yoneyama, JPGA Mr. Yoshimoto, Crews Co. Japan Dwight Yoshimura, Ala Moana Center Nathan Yoshioka, Pro Am Golf Shop Nobumitsu Yuhara, JPGA Miya Argent, Ramon Argent, Misty Gier, Watson Gier, Lana Hirai, Colan Ishii, Ethel Ishii, Leburta Kanno, Stanford Kanno, Ken Kimura, Kory Kuroiwa, Teri Kuroiwa, Brysonn Lau, Danny Lau, Georgette Lau, Russell Mau, Al Misajon, Zachary Misajon, Michelle Morikami, Kayla Morinaga, Linda Morinaga, Guy Nakagawa, Amy Nguyen, Jim Seki, Sr., Dwight Selby, Sean Selby, Charlotte Shishido, Pomaikai Shishido, Spencer Shishido, Bill Spencer, Mark Tanji, Corrine Toyama, Val Nakaji, Kuni Wakida, Dane Yamasaki, Chad Yawata, Kyle Yawata, Mabel Yawata, Randy Yawata, Vernon Yoshida

6 The David S. Ishii Foundation 2001 Hawaii State Championships for boys was held on Saturday, May 12, 2001 at the Kapalua Village Golf Course on Maui. A field of 120 male golfers from 62 schools played 36 holes on that day to determine the champion. Waiakea High School captured its unprecedented fourth straight state title, with Leilehua High School finishing second in the team standings. Waiakea s Jarrett Hamamoto s 141 (1 over par) earned him the individual title, while teammate Gabriel Wilson finished second, two strokes back. The girls state championships also required 36 holes of play on May 12 at the Kaanapali South Golf Course. Sixty-four young women vied for the state title, won by Kauai High School, with Waiakea finishing second. Kauai s Rachel Kyono won the individual title with a 143 total 91 over par), eight strokes better than Waiakea s Leah Whiting. Both Hamamoto and Kyono were also invited to play in the DSIF golf tournament in June. Rules of Golf Clinic Sunday, Feb. 24, p.m. to 6 p.m. (check-in at 3:30 p.m.) Pearl Country Club High school golfers, parents and friends are welcome. David, assisted by other golf professionals, will be taking participants onto the golf course to explain and demonstrate the rules of golf. David S. Ishii Foundation P.O. Box 2927 Aiea, Hawaii