Mid-Pacific’s Kozuma and Aloha Section PGA’s Ota edged out the Shimomura brothers
KALAUAO, O‘AHU – The 2025 Golf Concepts Pro-Pro Championship – an annual player favorite on the Aloha Section PGA tournament calendar – witnessed Mid-Pacific Country Club’s Corey Kozuma and the Aloha Section PGA’s Tyler Ota birdie their first playoff hole to clinch victory on Sunday at the newly renovated Pearl at Kalauao. Their dramatic overtime win came against 2022 Pro-Pro champions, Chris Shimomura (PXG) and Kevin Shimomura (Ko Olina).
Corey Kozuma carefully lines up his birdie putt during the final round of the 2025 Golf Concepts Pro-Pro Championship at Pearl at Kalauao. (Photo: Aloha Section PGA)
Kozuma and Ota’s final round was fueled by four consecutive birdies on holes 10 – 13. The duo carded back-to-back five-under-par rounds of 67, an impressive feat on Pearl’s recently revamped greens.
Kozuma, the PGA Head Teaching Professional at Mid-Pacific, enjoyed a decorated amateur career. The former O‘ahu Junior Golf Association Player of the Year and State of Hawai‘i representative in the USA–Hawai‘i–Japan Junior Cup played collegiately at UH-Hilo. In addition to his duties at Mid-Pacific, Kozuma now serves as the co-head boys golf coach at his alma mater, ‘Iolani School.
Tyler Ota (left) and Corey Kozuma (right) prepare to tee off during the final round of the 2025 Golf Concepts Pro-Pro Championship at Pearl at Kalauao. (Photo, Aloha Section PGA)
Likewise, Ota won the 2019 Hawai‘i State Amateur, participated in the 2020 SONY Open in Hawai‘i and was the Professional Champion of the 2024 Waikoloa Invitational.
“In appreciation of our continued support from Troon/Indigo Sports’ facilities across Hawai‘i, we were honored to partner with the Aloha Section PGA for this year’s Pro-Pro Championship at Pearl at Kalauao,” remarked Jay Hinazumi, president of O‘ahu-based Golf Concepts. “This event annually produces stellar competition and camaraderie for our PGA Professionals.”
Kevin Shimomura, the 2018 Aloha Section PGA Teacher of the Year and current Ko Olina Director of Player Development, again teamed up with his brother, Chris Shimomura, on PXG’s Hawaiian roster.
Third place in the 36-hole four-ball stroke play event was captured by Kevin Hayashi and Kevin Carll of Waikoloa Village Golf Club. They finished three strokes back at seven-under-par. Hayashi is a former Pro-Pro winner from the event’s almost two-decade run at Kā‘anapali.
Fourth place was shared by two teams at four-under-par, including one team with Ed Kageyama, PGA General Manager of Pearl at Kalauao, the host tournament venue.
Cyd Shishido (left) and Nicole Sakamoto (right) of Pearl at Kalauao are all smiles during the 2025 Golf Concepts Pro-Pro Championship. (Photo, Aloha Section PGA)
“Following their recent 18-hole golf course, practice facility and clubhouse renovations, Pearl at Kalauao was a worthy host of this great championship,” said Wes Wailehua, executive director of the Aloha Section PGA. “As part of our three-year cycle at Troon/Indigo Sports’ properties, we are thrilled to host the 2026 Golf Concepts Pro-Pro Championship at Kā‘anapali Golf Courses (Maui) for the 18th time.”
Incorporated in 1975, the Aloha Section PGA serves 236 members across 90 facilities in Hawai‘i. The organization’s mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in golf throughout Hawai‘i.
To learn more, book tee times, dining reservations, group inquiries and upcoming event information, visit www.pearlatkalauao.com.
PRO-PRO CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, June 29
Venue: Pearl at Kalauao
Location: Kalauao, O‘ahu
Yardage (Par): 6,955 (72)
Format: Two days; 18 holes each day; four-ball stroke play
All Scores: Here
About Pearl at Kalauao
Pearl at Kalauao, like a precious momi (pearl), is a hidden gem in O‘ahu’s golfing landscape, offering breathtaking views from Pu‘uloa to the Wai‘anae Mountains. Established in 1967 as the Francis H. ‘Ī‘ī Brown Golf and Country Club and later transitioning to Pearl Country Club in 1975, it has long welcomed both kama‘āina and visitors. Today, the course continues its legacy with new enhancements, including upgraded clubhouse amenities and short-game practice facilities. Pearl at Kalauao remains committed to sustainable stewardship of the ‘āina, fostering a connection to the land that benefits both the environment and the wider community. Learn more at www.pearlatkalauao.com.
About Troon
Pearl at Kalauao is managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 940-plus locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
