Teeing Off For Leadership Kaua‘i

Puakea Golf Course’s dramatic par-3 6th hole requires precision and steady nerves

Needing a reason to play golf is like needing a reason to eat. Well, at least for me. But just in case you’re unlike me and have to be pushed out onto the course, the nonprofit organization

Leadership Kaua’i is giving people the opportunity to golf and give back to the community with a benefit tourney, “Leading From the FOREfront.” It happens Sunday, Nov. 21, at Puakea Golf Course.

“It is our goal to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to everyone who digs into their pockets during this economic downturn to support the valuable work we do,” Leadership Kaua’i executive director Sherri Patrick says.

In case you’re not familiar with Leadership Kaua’i, it’s a pretty unique concept that fosters community involvement and produces leaders with Hawaiian values. Its annual program brings together a cross-section of Kaua’i residents from various social and economic backgrounds currently providing leaders in the community with skills to further develop their leadership.

Upon graduation, participants are motivated to use the skills and knowledge they gain for the long-term benefit of the island. Many spin-off community organizations are the result of this challenge, including the annual Leadership Kaua’i youth class, Piina Hoku.

Alumni of Leadership Kaua’i include Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce vice president of operations Carol Texeira.

Previous executive directors include Councilmen Jay Furfaro and Tim Bynum, as well as Mason Chock.

If you need yet another reason to get out those golf clubs, look no further than the host of the event, Tony Silva, co-star of OC-16’s hilarious show Da Braddahs, who will give you something to smile about after your not-so-good round of 18.

“Here is a tournament where you can make a difference in someone’s life,” Silva says. “I’m thankful and honored to be hosting Leadership Kaua’i’s golf tournament. If you’re one of the players, you will also be thankful that I’m not on the golf course. The last time I played, I unintentionally hit a mongoose, a pigeon and my golf partner, all in one swing. Oh, well, some people were meant to play golf and some people were meant to host, so I’ll see you after the tournament.”

The tourney is set for a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The format is three-person scramble, minimum three drives per player and mulligans available for purchase. There will be numerous prizes and awards given to the closest to the pin, men’s and women’s longest drive and a $10,000 cash prize for a hole-in-one.

Entry fee for each player is $125 and includes green fees, cart and lunch. Entry deadline is Nov. 12. Hole sponsorships also are available with signage and other advertised acknowledgements included. To register, contact Allison Toma at 337-1413, ext. 10 or 635-3789, or e-mail allifleming@yahoo.com. For information on sponsorship, call Kerri Villa at 635-1936 or Leadership Kaua’i at 246-8727.