MEDIA RELEASE

The Big Island Junior Golf Association, Big Island Candies and the County of Hawai‘i are co-sponsoring a golf clinic and long drive demonstration by teen golf stars Tony and Gipper Finau on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course.

The brothers from Utah have played in PGA events and are renowned for their long-hitting prowess. Tony Finau is said to be the longest hitting player among PGA tour players, having hit drives of more than 400 yards. Also appearing at the clinic will be the Finau brothers’ father, Gary Finau, who has guided his sons’ careers.

The Finau brothers, who recently were featured on the Golf Channel’s “Golf Fix,” also will be playing on Monday, June 22, at the annual fundraising tournament at Hokulia hosted by former University of Hawai‘i football coach June Jones.

“We are so pleased that the Finau family will be the featured guests at our clinic,” said Jodie Kimura, president of the Big Island Junior Golf Association. “Thanks to Allan Ikawa of Big Island Candies who has been a tremendous supporter of junior golf and this program.”

The free, public golf clinic starts at 2 p.m. at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course driving range where the Finau brothers will conduct a swing clinic and long-drive demonstration. Gary Finau will conduct a clinic for parents on providing the proper amount of support for their junior golfers.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., the Finau brothers will move to the first tee of the municipal course to play nine holes. The public is invited to follow along and interact with the players on the course.

“We’re really looking forward to a lot of fun and valuable instruction from these outstanding young players and we hope everyone will take advantage of this unique opportunity to watch them play,” Kimura said.

For information about the clinic, call 937-9536.