LIHUE — The Kauai Junior Golf Association, affiliated with the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association, wrapped up its year on Nov. 22 with a End of Year recognition banquet and the Parent-Junior golf tournament at the Puakea Golf Course.
Twenty-two teams, each made up of one junior and one adult golfer, enjoyed a round of golf played in the scramble format at the Puakea Golf Course. Additionally, the tournament featured a putting contest for the junior participants.
Shane Murphy, recognized for other achievements during the year, earned the first prize of a Taylor Made putter donated by KJGA supporter Glen Ebisu.
During the End of Year banquet that followed the tournament, and sponsored by Cades Schutte LLP, Murphy was honored for his exceptional first-place performance at the regional Drive, Chip and Putt Contest that was held on Oct. 5 at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort. Murphy will be participating in the Professional Golf Association National Drive, Chip and Putt competition that will play at Augusta, Georgia, on April 5.
Murphy was also honored as one of eight “Player of the Year” for the Boys 13-14 age group. Other “Player of the Year” winners included Renyn Lee for the Boys 15-18 age group, Sydney Ito for the Girl 15-18, Lauryn Lee for the Girls 13-14, Tenzen Rita for the Boys 11-12, Emi Sayegusa for the Girls 11-12, Action Herndon for the Boys 9-10, and Aya Hall for the Girls 9-10.
The Player of the Year trophy is awarded each year to the junior who earns the most points in his/her age group during tournaments held throughout the year. During 2025, the KJGA golfers enjoyed play at one-day tournaments at Kiahuna, Poipu Bay, Ocean Course Hokuala and Wailua. The KJGA extended gratitude and appreciation to these participating golf courses for allowing the KJGA golfers to gain experience.
Joining Murphy on the podium, Caleb Ito and Logan Laymon were recognized for their respective success in the HSJGA tournaments, earlier in the year. Caleb won three titles in 2025 and is ranked third in the state for his age division. Laymon took top honors in the Poipu Bay Championship.
Caleb Ito, Kai Taylor, Stirling McLoughlin and Lauryn Lee will compete in the HSJGA Tour Championship, an invitational tournament for the top junior golfers throughout the state. The HSJGA Tour Championship will be held on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Kukuiula Golf Course.
Travis Sayegusa and Tony Matsumura were recognized as the KJGA 2025 Volunteers of the Year for their service at the tournaments, and messages of appreciati0n were extended to Grove Farm and the Puakea Golf Course for their generous support throughout the years.
Among the donations received by KJGA junior golfers, Puakea Golf Course waives green fees and discounts range balls, lowering the financial barrier for KJGA members who are dedicated to honing their golf skills.
KJGA golfers also extended gratitude to the leadership that includes Executive Director Paul Ito. The 2025 KJGA Board of Directors and Officers include President TJ Esaki Kua, Vice President Leslie Labuguen, Secretary Dawn Taba, Treasurer Ken Miyata, and Directors Ryan Smith, Reynold Lee, Camden Nakashima and Kellie Hines.
For more information, or the 2026 calendar of event, visit the website at www.kjga.org.
Source: The Garden Island
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