Fujikawa commits to play in Fall Series finale LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- One of pro golf's hottest young talents, 16-year-old Tadd Fujikawa, will play in the Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart Nov. 1-4 at Walt Disney World Resort. ![]() Tad Fujikawa turned pro in July. (WireImage) Fujikawa, the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Open at age 15 in 2006, has joined former Classic champion Duffy Waldorf in accepting sponsor exemptions into the long-running PGA TOUR stop at Disney's famed Magnolia and Palm courses. Previously, two-time US Open champion Lee Janzen and PGA TOUR veteran Jay Williamson accepted the event's other two sponsor exemptions. "I want to thank Disney and Children's Miracle Network for inviting me to be a part of this prestigious event," said Fujikawa. "This tournament, its longstanding history and challenging course, allows me the opportunity to follow my dreams of competing among some of golf's most accomplished and talented professionals." Fujikawa made his biggest splash on the PGA TOURearly this year, at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Playing at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu the week after his 16th birthday in January, he became the second-youngest player in 50 years to make a PGA TOUR cut and went on to tie for 20th place. Had he been a pro at the time, he would have had a payday of approximately $50,000. He officially turned pro on July 12, 2007. "We are very excited to have one of professional golf's most inspiring young figures in our field of competitors," said Classic Chairman Kevin Weickel, the Disney head professional. "Tadd's story of perseverance and personal triumph is a remarkable narrative that embodies the magic-making of the Disney spirit." Fujikawa's remarkable story goes well beyond golf. As a newborn, he was given a 50-50 chance of surviving after being born three months premature at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, the Children's Miracle Network hospital in Honolulu. Weighing only 1 pound, 15 ounces at birth, he survived several operations over the first six months of his life to eventually become one of the most sought-after young prospects in golf. Waldorf put together one of the finest Sunday rounds in Classic history to win the 2000 event at Disney. The veteran California pro fashioned a 10-under-par 62 to come from six strokes behind on the final day for a one-stroke victory over Steve Flesch. Waldorf equaled the tournament scoring record with his 26-under-par 262. The Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart is the final event of the PGA TOUR's Fall Series and last official money event of 2007. Tickets for individual rounds ($30) and badges for Classic week ($50) are available at www.ChildrensMiracleNetworkClassic.com. Net proceeds go to Children's Miracle Network hospitals, including Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando. Additional information is available on the Classic Hotline, 407/824-2250. |