Tadd Fujikawa

Wednesday - July 22, 2009
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By now most know the story of Tadd Fujikawa - how the young golf prodigy started out life as a 1-pound, 15-ounce preemie in Kapiolani Medical Center’s NICU (newborn intensive care unit), but that with the help of services from the March of Dimes has gone on to be a major presence on the links, including his recent win over former PGA Tour winner David Ishii in the Mid-Pacific Open earlier this year and first-place finish in the Maui Open last month.

But what may come as a surprise is that the Moanalua High grad is putting his star power to good use with the second annual Tadd Fujikawa Invitational Golf Tournament.

Created under the guidance of retired Gen. Herb Wolff and a committee of business leaders, the inaugural tee-off tournament last year raised more than $91,000 to support the March of Dimes’ mission to prevent birth defects, infant mortality and premature births here in Hawaii.

The success spurred Fujikawa to get all the more involved this time around. From planning meetings to securing top-notch food vendors and “special” door prizes, Fujikawa has had a say in all parts of this event.

“I’m supporting a good cause and the people playing in the tournament are, and I think they know that,” Tadd says.

The second annual Tadd Fujikawa Invitational Golf Tournament, presented by HMAA, begins with a noon shotgun start Aug. 5 at Kapolei Golf Course. The format will be a two-person team best-ball shamble, and the awards banquet at 5 p.m. will acknowledge top three teams as well as hole-in-one and on-course achievements. Registration will be open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a putting contest from 9:45 to 11:45 and a 30-minute golf clinic with Fujikawa at 11:15.

“Without the March of Dimes, I wouldn’t be here today,” Fujikawa says. “It’s a nice feeling for me to try to give back, and give the most I can for them. It’s a win-win situation.”

To find out more about the tournament or the March of Dimes, call 973-2155.