Local Golf Duo Qualify Again, Wailuā Showcases Kauai Course
Big Island golfers Anson Arakaki and Shaun Downie shot a six under par 66 on December 22 to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Four Ball championship proper next spring. The result highlights Wailuā Golf Course in Līhuʻe as a municipal asset capable of staging national qualifying play, with implications for local access, tourism, and municipal stewardship.
The qualifying round for the 11th U.S. Amateur Four Ball at Wailuā Golf Course drew competitive fields on December 22, as calm and sunny conditions met players at the 18 hole, par 72, 6,962 yard municipal layout designed by Toyo Shirai. Big Island residents Anson Arakaki of Keaʻau and Shaun Downie of Hilo carded a combined six under par 66 to secure qualification for the national championship proper next spring, repeating their success from the prior year.
Wailuā, a public course operated by county authorities, has a track record of hosting USGA level events. The course has hosted three U.S. Golf Association Amateur Public Links Championships in the past, and has been recognized by Golf Digest among Hawaiʻi’s best 15 courses while The Golf Channel rated it as Hawaiʻi’s No. 3 course. That pedigree helped attract a full qualifying day and brought visiting competitors to Līhuʻe, generating play and attention for Kauai County municipal facilities.
For local residents the event underscores multiple policy and civic considerations. As a municipal course the facility balances public access with the costs of maintaining championship quality conditions. Hosting national qualifying competition can boost short term visitor spending at nearby businesses and highlight Kauai as a destination for competitive golf, but it also places demands on maintenance budgets, staffing, and scheduling that fall to county management. The event offers an opportunity for elected officials and course managers to review how tournament use intersects with community recreation needs.
Players advancing from Wailuā will join the field in the U.S. Amateur Four Ball proper next spring, carrying local representation to a national stage. Full results and event details were available from the Hawaiʻi State Golf Association. As the county considers future tournament bids, the balance between promoting Kauai through sports and preserving affordable public access will remain a central consideration for residents and decision makers.
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