Jasmine Wong, a senior at Iolani School, made history by becoming the first individual champion in the David S. Ishii/HHSAA girls golf championships. With an even par 72, Wong clinched the title by just one stroke over Jessica Lee from Punahou at Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course. Despite Iolani School winning a team title in 2012, there had never been an individual champion from the school in the tournament’s 28-year history.
Wong’s victory was the culmination of her decorated prep golf career, which also included winning several HSJGA titles and ILH championships in 2024 and 2023. With a total score of 146 (74-72), Wong secured her place in history as she heads to Gonzaga University in the fall to continue her golf career.
Despite fierce competition from five other players who shot par or better on the final day, Wong maintained her composure and finished strong. Even with a two-shot cushion going into hole No. 18, Wong faced pressure but managed to secure the win even after making a bogey on the challenging par-3 hole.
In addition to Wong’s individual victory, Punahou High School also made a strong statement by claiming their 13th girls team title, the most in the state. Led by Nicole Ikeda’s impressive score of 2-under 70 on the final day, the Buffanblu team improved by 21 strokes from Day 1 to Day 2, finishing 20 strokes ahead of runner-up Mililani. Punahou was the only team to shoot below par on either day, with three of their players finishing in the top five.
Mililani finished second overall with a score of 465, followed by Moanalua in third place with a score of 478. Iolani, propelled by Wong’s individual victory, placed fifth overall. Waiakea holds the second-most girls team titles in the state with four championships. Brian McInnis covers the sports scene in Hawaii for Spectrum News and can be contacted at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.