Emily T Gail Talk Story Emily T Gail Talk Story

 Kelly Fliear Tournament Manager Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai talks story about the 28th year of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai at the Four Seasons Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. January 18, 19, 20 forty two PGA TOUR Champions Player  who earned a spot in the the 54 hole stroke play tournament will play for a  $2,000,000 purse. Steve Stricker defends. The Big Island community has received million dollars plus for charities from this event.

I met Chris Ruzzin 5 years ago at the first PGA TOUR Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club. when he was trying to cross some TV cables in his wheelchair. After giving him a hand we had a conversation about how couple places had been very difficult for him to get around and spectate at the tournament, I said I bet they would find it helpful if you reached out and gave them some suggestions. There is no doubt in my mind he was already thinking that.  And he did follow up ... and over the last few years they have added ADA throughout the golf course.The picture of Chris is at the ADA platform at the 18th green at Detroit Golf Club.  I think it is cool how it has evolved. The more I get to know Chris I see he is a get it done advocate.   

I called Susy Ruddle this morning spur of moment and taped an informal conversation which I am turning into a Emily T Gail Talk Story episode. I wanted to get an update on the HIHS  and also have chance to mention how helpful Dr. Beth was to me when my cat Pono Boy was diagnosed as diabetic and I had no clue what to do. What I interesting and encouraging conversation we had about what the new HIHS facility in Kona. I've been there. It's fantastic and Susy does shares what they have been able to do for pet owners and those who want to spend a day with a pet or foster. It's a good conversation. Hope you listen.  That is Susy's husband Francis Ruddle with her in the picture. I have known Francis and Susy for years and whenever I see them I am reminded how blessed I am that I have been on the Big Island of Hawaii for so many years. 35+ years.  Also coming up Saturday July 1 is the  Hawaii Island Humane Society Putts for Paws Golf Tournament at Mauna Lani Golf North Course..  Help raise funds for the HIHS and enjoy the award banquet at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid, complete with a gourmet lunch. and even meet some adoptable dogs on the golf course. HIHS gets no government funding. All grants and private donations.    Susy Ruddle and friends and CEO of HIHS Lauren Nickerson want you to  know it is a 4-person scramble format so that means that everyone can have fun .... regardless of your skill level.. And it is the purrfect opportunity to combine your love of the game and your love of animals. To contribute a prize for the players or be a sponsor email Lauren@hihs.org.hihs.org to register or donate for the tournament at Mauna Lani.

Jim DeMello, Coach of the  University of Hawaii - Hilo Vulcans Women's Golf Team  talks with Emily T Gail from Hapuna Golf Course at Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii where the Division II Dennis Rose invitational with 16 teams was taking place. Jim talked about his history with University of Hawaii-Hilo Men's Golf Team for many years. He had the opportunity to coach the women's team when they received some title IX monies. He has been successful  recruiting players  from the Hilo area which is given local players an opportunity to get college scholarships and pursue their golf experiences. Teams from all over the country enjoy playing in the Dennis Rose invitational because the Vulcans are the hosts and their hospitality is well known. The men's team played their 2 day 36 hole Stroke Play event at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Cal State San Marcos won the Women' Division with Point Luma coming in second.

I met Caroline Wales when she played in the Dennis Rose Invitational for Division II players at Hapuna Golf Course, Mauna Kea Resort. She runs along side her push/pull remote golf bag cart when she plays....  interesting how it all evolved for her to add running to her on course routine.

Emily T Gail with Kelly Fliear, Tournament Manager PGA TOUR Champions Mitsubishi  Electric Championship at Hualalai  Thursday, January 19-Sunday January 21 . Kelly gives an update of the season opening event here on the  Big Island of Hawaii at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai for the PGA TOUR Champions MEC. 42 players are eligible for the 3 day tournament with a 2 million dollar purse. Miquel Angel Jimenez defends. Can buy tickets at the gate $25 daily, $45 week. 16 years and under complimentary when accompanied with adult as retired military and active are as well.    Some of the beneficiaries of monies raised are the Rotary Club of Kona who from year one has organized the volunteers and in turn funds go into the Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation.   Also the Daniel Sayre Foundation who have raised so much money and procured equipment and training for our County of Hawaii Fire and Rescue Team. MEC sponsors the Big Island Junior Golf which has provided a local active organization to prepare junior golfers for the many opportunities with the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association where so many find college scholarship opportunities. Added this year is the Pua Ka 'Ilima 'O Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park Inc dedicated to develop and protect the area of 1.4 acres of coastline at the Kawaihae Breakwater. The  PGA TOUR raises more money for non profits and charities than all the major league sports organization who also raise lots of monies.