Honolulu's Favorite Son Becomes First Hawaiian PGA Winner ⛳
Hawaii's First PGA Tour Winner
The first Hawaiian Open was played in 1965 on the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu making it the third longest continuous venue on the PGA Tour behind the Masters and Colonial. The winner of the inaugural event was Gay Brewer but it was the winner in the second year that provides a more interesting story.
Ted Makalena, a Hawaii native who grew up as a caddie at Waialae before becoming the assistant pro at the course, won the event in 1966. Makalena won $8,500 and beat stalwart PGA stars such as Bill Casper, Gene Littler, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Doug Sanders and Al Geiberger. The fact that he beat two major champions (Casper and Geiberger) provided inspiration and pride among Hawaiian golf fans.
Makalena went on to play the tour in 1967 and finished tied for seventh in his title defense at Waialae. Two months before the start of the 1968 tour season tragedy struck when Makalena was pulled from the waters off Waikiki after apparently striking his head while diving. Unconscious and paralyzed, he passed five days later.
Lee Trevino won the event in 1968 and he donated his winner's check of $25,000 to a trust fund for Makalena's son, Ted Jr.
In another first for the Hawaiian Open, Isao Aoki became the first player from Japan to win on the PGA Tour when he captured the 1983 event with a holed out wedge for eagle on the 72nd hole.
Thanks to Golf History Today for this interesting glimpse into one of the tour's oldest events.
This week's vintage ad is Billy Casper for Wilson Staff balls. Notice the photos at the bottom -- It's science!
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Larry Baush
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