After losing last year's inaugural USA Hawai'i-Japan Junior Cup, the Hawai'i team stormed back this year, clinching victory in the singles matches during yesterday's final round at Waikoloa Kings' Course. Hawai'i took a seven-point lead into the final day and won, 24 1/2 to 19 1/2.

The event is conducted by the Hawai'i State Junior Golf Association and Japan High School Golf Association. It featured 44 of the best juniors from each association, with 13 boys and nine girls on each team. They played a Ryder-Cup format, with team matches the first two days and 22 singles matches yesterday.

Japan won 12 of the singles matches, but it was not enough.

"This was well earned by our Hawai'i Team," said HSJGA President Mary Bea Porter-King. "They played spirited golf and never stopped battling. I'm very proud of them. I also commend the Japan squad for their outstanding play and congratulate all of the young golfers for exhibiting wonderful sportsmanship throughout the week."

Hawai'i's Taeksoo Kim and Alina Ching had the shortest matches yesterday, winning 6 and 5. Justin Kelly, Henry Park, Alex Chu, Anna Jang, Bradley Shigezawa, Cassy Isagawa, Marissa Chow and Kelli Oride also won for Hawai'i.

SIGNING

'IOLANI'S FINK TO OSU

'Iolani senior David Fink officially signed his letter of intent to play golf for Oregon State this week.

"We feel fortunate to have David sign with Oregon State University," OSU coach Brian Watts said in a release. "He is a quality young man who has had a lot of success at the local and national level. David is an athlete who has competed in other sports and is totally committed to the 'team' aspect of our sport and understands what it takes to be a champion."

Fink, a left-hander, has been 'Iolani's team captain the past two years. He also plays drums in a band called Summa Sounds.

OSU finished its fall season with an eighth-place finish at the Turtle Bay Intercollegiate.

RATES

EARLY BIRD AT KO'OLAU

The Early Bird Rate for the Hawai'i Golf Industry Conference, Dec. 9 at Ko'olau Golf Club, has been extended until tomorrow. The rate is $65, $85 after tomorrow.

The conference goes from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with an optional Pro-Am tournament in the afternoon. The cost for the conference and golf is $125 through tomorrow, and $150 after.

The sixth biennial conference is organized by the Aloha Section PGA and its foundation. It is designed to bring together members of the Hawai'i golf community and leaders from affiliated markets like tourism, real estate and transportation.

Special guests include Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Kelly Elbin, director of communications for the PGA of America. Aiona will talk about the significance of golf on the Hawai'i economy, and Elbin will discuss a new marketing initiative between the PGA of America and state of Florida.

The Aloha Section has commissioned an Economic Impact Study for the industry and preliminary findings will be presented. The purpose of the conference is to provide a business forum to "discuss and identify the major issues and challenges currently facing the golf industry." A Hawai'i Golf Industry Council will be formed to develop action plans.

The public is invited. For more information, contact the Aloha Section at 593-2230 or visit www.aloha.pga.com.

NOTES

Chaminade has hired Joey Tadeo as its men's golf coach. Tadeo is the operations manager at Royal Kunia Country Club. He also worked at Mililani Golf Club and served as an assistant golf coach at Pearl City High School from 2006 to 2008. Tadeo is a member of the Aloha Section PGA.

The Hawai'i Golf Representatives Association is having its Sample Sale, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at Washington Intermediate cafeteria (1633 S. King St.). Shirts, shoes and equipment will be featured.