AYAKA KANEKO FAN CLUB

pitbull808 · April 24, 2012

Okay..she's another of Hawaii's girls on the LPGA and from the local lack of press, probably the least known. Since she's doing better then both Michelle and Stephanie...two who locally can go by first name, I figured I'd start her a fan club for the Hawaii guys who don't know much about her.

I met her about five years ago when her Dad was a frequent customer at Par 72 bringing all the best clubs from Japan for her to use. I always envied all the Beres clubs that came in the door! Carlton Masui who did the club work there at Par 72 and is now known for his Chikara wedges designed many wedges specifically for her to use. As he did for Tadd and Cyd and many other top juniors. This continued after her graduation from Sacred Hearts and she went on to Pepperdine University. Carlton did a few Proto Type wedges for her with the Pepperdine Waves logo laser etched on the flange. Carlton did some of his greatest hand grinds for her personal use.

Ayaka left Pepperdine early and qualified via Q School this year. So far she's made the cuts of three of her last four tournaments. Recently at the Lotte Championship at Ko'Olina she was the only female from Hawaii who made the cut. She was doing well until stumbling in the last round but I'm sure her confidence is growing enough to help carry her through a successful 2012. Hopefully she'll do great this week in Mobile!

She's sponsored by Srixon. From what I noticed at the Lotte, had some super looking XXIO clubs in the bag!

Here's a few pics I took at Ko'Olina.

golf80808 · April 24, 2012

Very nice write up Reid . We need to support the local golfers trying to make it on the big stage.

Wanted to make it out to the Lotte this weekend, but to much other stuff going on.

Jeff