Most of the five Hawaii golfers are in the back of the pack after the first day today of the U.S. Amateur Public Links in Aurora, Colo.

Former Kaimuki High golfer and 2006 state high school champion Chan Kim, who resides in Chandler, Ariz., shot 2-over 73 and is tied for 43rd place.

Mililani's Jared Sawada shot a 4-over 75 (tied for 82nd), Sean Maekawa of the Big Island shot a 5-over-76 (t103), and Wailuku's Taeksoo Kim and Kapa'a's Kellen Watabu both shot 11-over 82 (t150).

The leader is Aaron Goldberg of Carlsbad, Calif., who shot 6-under 65. Zachary Zaremba of Pueblo West, colo., and Travis Reid of Clovis, N.M., each shot 5-under 66s.

The event is being held at the Murphy Creek Golf Course, which plays 7,551 yards, the longest course in the event's history, with a par of 36-35—71.

Stroke play will continue through Tuesday with the field then being reduced to the lowest 64 players, who advance to match play.

First-round of match play is Wednesday, followed by the second and third rounds Thursday, the quarterfinals and semifinals Friday and a 36-hole final on Saturday.

Hawaii golfers have experienced success in this event with Casey Watabu winning in 2006, Guy Yamamoto in 1994, Charles Barenaba in 1974 and Randy Barenaba in 1975.