The inaugural USA Hawai'i-Japan Junior Cup will open unofficially with a Junior/Am next Thursday at Waikoloa's Kings' Course. Players can still register for the event, which benefits the American Cancer Society, Waikoloa Foundation and the two junior golf associations.

The Junior/Am tees off at 10 a.m. with groups made up of one of the 44 juniors and four amateurs. Spots are available. For more information, call 808-886-7888 or visit www.hsjga.com.

The Ryder Cup-style Junior Cup begins next Friday, with team matches that day and the next, and 22 singles matches next Sunday. The Hawai'i team includes Anna Jang, Alex Ching, Kristina Merkle, Henry Park, Alika Bell and 2006 U.S. Women's Amateur champ Kimberly Kim.

Guests on Emily Gail Talks Golf (850 AM Hilo, 790 AM Kona) Saturday, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., include Karen Murray Boston, from Hilton Grand Vacations Club, and Tim Murphy, Waikoloa Beach head pro. They will talk about the Cup.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Championship, Dec. 31 to Jan. 6 at Kapalua's Plantation Course. People are needed to help with spectator control, Shotlink, scoring, admission and information, as well as drivers. They must be at least 18.

Those who work three shifts receive a cap, tournament shirt and complimentary round at the Bay Course, as well as tournament admission and a season pass for a friend.

For more information, contact Kim Corniel at 665-9160 on Maui. Volunteer registration is also available online at www.kapalua.com.