The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men’s golf team was well-represented at the 115th Manoa Cup, as UH golfer Josh Hayashida beat teammate Anson Cabello in dramatic fashion in the June 22 final at Oʻahu Country Club. By taking down Cabello, Hayashida successfully defended his title from last year’s Manoa Cup.
“It’s kinda cool playing against a teammate. We both know each other’s game so well,” Hayashida said. “We both play here all the time, so there’s no clear advantage over each other. Last year, I knew I had a slight advantage over Kihei (Akina) because he hadn’t played here that much, and you really need to know how to play here (Oʻahu Country Club). It’s a cool feeling knowing someone from UH was going to win. In the end, UH wins.”
The last time the open division featured an all-UH final was 1995.
“To have two UH players battle it out for the championship on this amazing field is something really special,” Cabello added. “It really speaks to (UH men’s golf head coach) Scott (Simpson) and how he’s built this program and it also speaks to our players and how we’re able to fight through adversity, fight through a lot of stuff and make it this far.”
Five Rainbow Warrior golfers reached quarterfinals. Alongside Hayashida and Cabello were Isaiah Kanno, Kolbe Irei and Tyler Ogawa. Former ’Bow Zachary Sagayaga also made the final eight.