The 48th annual Western Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championship concluded yesterday with Hawai'i finishing last of nine teams. Last week, the Rainbow Wahine were last at their WAC Championship.

The 54-hole men's tournament was played at Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson, Nev. The 'Bows were eighth after an opening-round 306, then fell to last by shooting 327-312 the past two days. Their 945 total was 75 shots off the pace set by WAC champion New Mexico State, which finished at 6-over-par 870.

The Aggies shot 287 yesterday to beat Fresno State (284) by a shot. NMSU's Travis Reid won medalist honors at 7-under 209 (67-73-69).

For the third time this season, freshman TJ Kua led UH, finishing tied for 22nd at 11-over 227 (75-80-72). Kua led the field in pars, with 38, and was one of only five players with an eagle.

UH sophomore Kamden Brakel (80-232), tied for 29th, followed by freshman Pono Calip (85-246) at 41st, senior Cody Pewarchuk (77-249) at 42nd and freshman Jared Sawada (83-250) 43rd.

KAUA'I TEAM ADVANCES IN MCGLADREY:

Kaua'i's Dana Palama, Oric Kuapahi, and Keith Yamamoto shot 11-under-par 61 to capture the McGladrey local qualifying event at the Princeville Prince Course. The team advances to the Aloha Section Team Championship in August at Kahili Golf Club.

The threesome will be joined at the Section Championship by Prince pro Steve Murphy. The section winner becomes one of 41 teams nationwide to earn a berth in the 2009 McGladrey Team Championship, Oct. 26 to 28 at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort. The 164-player field in the National Championship will compete for a $200,000 purse, with amateurs receiving gift certificates.

Last year, Murphy, Palama, Yamamoto and Rory Rayno finished 12th nationally.

VULCANS IN SUPER REGIONAL:

University of Hawai'i-Hilo is headed for the Super Regional of the 47th annual NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship. It starts Monday at the Wilderness Ridge Golf Club in Lincoln, Neb. The three-day tournament is hosted by Nebraska-Kearney, which failed to qualify for the first time in seven years.

The Vulcans have a good shot at finishing in the top five to advance to the nationals, May 19 to 22 at Loomis Trail Golf Club in Blaine, Wash., according to coach Earl Tamiya

"We didn't have a good spring," Tamiya said. "We did have a good fall. We have a very talented team that could win nationals. All the West teams have a chance because everybody has beaten everybody else at one time or another."

There are 20 teams at the West Super Regional. Hilo finished second at the Hawaiian Airlines Pacific West Conference Championship a few weeks ago, with junior Logan Goulding losing a playoff for medalist honors. It got into the postseason based on its power ranking. In March, the Vulcans finished second to UH-Manoa at the Naris Cup College Student Friendship Tournament in Japan, with Stephen Zane earning medalist honors.

PALMER TAKES OVER HOAKALEI:

Hoakalei Country Club will be managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management beginning tomorrow. The private country club, which officially opened in January, is home to Ernie Els' first Hawai'i golf course. Members will now enjoy the "Palmer Privilege," providing access to clubs, resorts and golf courses throughout the network.

Hoakalei Country Club raised $80,000 in its inaugural Ernie Els Hoakalei Cup charity tournament recently. The tournament benefits Autism Speaks, Beautiful Son Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Hawai'i Hale Pono 'Ewa Beach Clubhouse and Campbell High School's Athletics Department. Wesley Uemoto won men's low net with 66 and Kyong Omura won women's low net with 79.

NOTES

Entries are still open for the ninth annual Dave Shoji Invitational Golf Tournament, next Thursday at Luana Hills. Cost is $175 per player and format is three-person modified scramble with a noon shotgun start. Proceeds benefit the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program.