PGA Tour's Future: Players Like Tadd Fujikawa
- By James Raia
- Published 02/14/2008
If the PGA Tour has any concerns about its future popularity, it should spend considerable resources cultivating and encouraging young players to emulate another young player, Tadd Fujikawa.
Fujikawa, 17, played in his 10th professional tournament at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am last week (Feb. 7-10). He missed the 54-hole by the cut 13 strokes at 12-under 228, which included an 81 second round at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
But it didn't seem to faze the young golfer. Fujikawa smiled at spectators, shook hands with tournament officials and made quick friends with pro surfing champion Kelly Slater, one of the young celebrities in the field.
Despite his newcomer status and his at-ease personality, Fujikawa's unique young life and quick ascension in golf have been well documented and would give credence to him not being what he is — mature beyond his years.
Fujikawa was born three months premature, weighing 1 pound and 15 ounces. He was given a 50 percent chance of survival. Had five operations in six months and then began to rapidly thrive. His early years were highlighted by his championship judo skills, but his early life tribulations and his family genes contributed to a slight stature. He's 5-foot-1.
Two years ago, still age 15 and an amateur, Fujikawa qualified for the U.S. Open and garnered a good share of media attention before missing the cut by nine strokes.
Last January, Fujikawa became the second-youngest player to make a PGA
Tour cut at the Sony Open. He played into as high as fourth place early in the tournament before finishing 20th.
He turned pro last to help support his family and to suport himself while trying to compete globally in top-level tournaments. While still under age 18, Fujikawa has the opportunity to play in the seven PGA Tour events this season under the guidelines of his "unrestricted sponsor's exemption."
And although he doesn't know when he'll next play on the PGA Tour, his agent Kevin Sell said d his client will likely also compete on European Tour, Asian Tour, Nationwide Tour and other PGA Tour events this season.
Fujikawa was grouped with pro Brian Bateman and amateurs Murray Bodine, an investment banker from San Francisco, and Hall of Fame football player Lynn Swann.
Fujikawa had an opening-round, par 72 at Spyglass Hill, beating more than half the field. But his putting faltered often in second two rounds.
The Honolulu golfer spent several practice sessions focusing on his putting while using a box-like metal pad with tees called a Pathfinder. Fujikawa was given the putting gadget by a PGA Tour representing following Wednesday’s practice round.
“I took a lot of positives out of this tournament,” said Fujikawa, who in addition to his agent, was accompanied by his mother and an uncle. “I feel great about my golf. I do, I really do. I’m really excited to play my next event. I have a little bit more work and I should be right there.”
Fujikawa has no current plans for another PGA Tour event. His next scheduled tournament is a Japanese Tour event at the end of May in which he also competed last year.
And I know one thing: If I were a PGA Tour event organizer with a sponsor's exemption at my disposal, I'd do my best to invite him.
Fujikawa, 17, played in his 10th professional tournament at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am last week (Feb. 7-10). He missed the 54-hole by the cut 13 strokes at 12-under 228, which included an 81 second round at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
But it didn't seem to faze the young golfer. Fujikawa smiled at spectators, shook hands with tournament officials and made quick friends with pro surfing champion Kelly Slater, one of the young celebrities in the field.
Despite his newcomer status and his at-ease personality, Fujikawa's unique young life and quick ascension in golf have been well documented and would give credence to him not being what he is — mature beyond his years.
Fujikawa was born three months premature, weighing 1 pound and 15 ounces. He was given a 50 percent chance of survival. Had five operations in six months and then began to rapidly thrive. His early years were highlighted by his championship judo skills, but his early life tribulations and his family genes contributed to a slight stature. He's 5-foot-1.
Two years ago, still age 15 and an amateur, Fujikawa qualified for the U.S. Open and garnered a good share of media attention before missing the cut by nine strokes.
Last January, Fujikawa became the second-youngest player to make a PGA
He turned pro last to help support his family and to suport himself while trying to compete globally in top-level tournaments. While still under age 18, Fujikawa has the opportunity to play in the seven PGA Tour events this season under the guidelines of his "unrestricted sponsor's exemption."
And although he doesn't know when he'll next play on the PGA Tour, his agent Kevin Sell said d his client will likely also compete on European Tour, Asian Tour, Nationwide Tour and other PGA Tour events this season.
Fujikawa was grouped with pro Brian Bateman and amateurs Murray Bodine, an investment banker from San Francisco, and Hall of Fame football player Lynn Swann.
Fujikawa had an opening-round, par 72 at Spyglass Hill, beating more than half the field. But his putting faltered often in second two rounds.
The Honolulu golfer spent several practice sessions focusing on his putting while using a box-like metal pad with tees called a Pathfinder. Fujikawa was given the putting gadget by a PGA Tour representing following Wednesday’s practice round.
“I took a lot of positives out of this tournament,” said Fujikawa, who in addition to his agent, was accompanied by his mother and an uncle. “I feel great about my golf. I do, I really do. I’m really excited to play my next event. I have a little bit more work and I should be right there.”
Fujikawa has no current plans for another PGA Tour event. His next scheduled tournament is a Japanese Tour event at the end of May in which he also competed last year.
And I know one thing: If I were a PGA Tour event organizer with a sponsor's exemption at my disposal, I'd do my best to invite him.
