Fujikawa rejoices over making first PGA TOUR cut

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Condon/PGA TOUR

Tadd Fujikawa survived two rounds of qualifying just to get into the field this week at Waialae.

HONOLULU -- Tadd Fujikawa earned his way into the Sony Open in Hawaii this year, and that's why making his first PGA TOUR cut meant so much to him.

Inside the Numbers

Fujikawa thru 36 Holes

Category Total Rank Eagles 0 N/A Birdies 4 T70 Pars 29 T3 Bogeys 2 T72 Double Bogeys 1 T3 Other 0 N/A Driving Accuracy 53.6% T31 Driving Distance 279.3 yds. 49 Greens in Regulation 55.6% T66 Putts per Round 28.0 T18 Putts per Round 1.850 T59 Sand Saves 100.0% T1

"I think Monday qualifying was a big confidence booster, and being able to play in Hawaii is just phenomenal," the bubbly Fujikawa said as darkness settled over Waialae Country Club after his birdie on the 18th hole for a 1-under 69 and an even-par total after 36 holes.

"Making the cut is even better. I'm really happy that it was my first cut, here, in Hawaii, and at home, and I still have two more days to play, though. I need to stay focused and finish out the week."

Fujikawa actually had to survive a pre-qualifying on Sunday and the 76 he shot to advance, along with 69 others, left the 18-year-old pro less than satisfied. So he worked on his putting for four hours that afternoon, and the extra effort paid off.

On Monday, the high school senior went out and shot 67 to grab one of four spots in the first full-field event of the 2009 PGA TOUR season. At first, Fujikawa had been disappointed not to receive a sponsor's exemption as he had last year, but he found playing his way into the field was more satisfying.

"I think the exemptions are good, and it's an easy way to get in for me, but the respect that I get from the other players and the people, it's a little different when you Monday qualify to earn your way in," Fujikawa said.

The teenager will now earn his first check on the PGA TOUR. His biggest payday was $13,500 when he won the Mid-Pacific Open last year. A solo last place finish among the 78 players who made the cut this week would be worth $9,936 -- and Fujikawa starts the weekend better-placed in a tie for 50th.

This is the third time Fujikawa has played in the Sony Open. He made the cut as an amateur in 2007, the youngest to do so in 50 years, tying for 20th after rounds of 71-66-66-72. He turned pro several months later and this is his first cut in seven starts as a pro on TOUR.

"Honestly, it kind of feels like I'm supposed to do it," Fujikawa said. "Last year ... it would have been a big deal to me. But knowing that how hard I worked and knowing that I have played well recently, honestly, .. I really don't think of it as a big deal.

"It's a good feeling, of course, but I'm just really happy that all of my hard work and all of the things that I've done with all of my coaches, my mom has helped me, is just slowly paying off and I'm very, very pleased to see that."

The 5-foot-1 Fujikawa, who was three months premature and weighed 31 ounces at birth, will start the weekend at even par for the tournament and eight strokes off the lead held by Nathan Green and Tom Pernice. He isn't satisfied with just making the cut, either.

"Two years ago, ... my expectation kind of was to make the cut, but this year, I'm out there to win," Fujikawa said. "I know I can do it, and I think what I've done with my game, and the improvements that I've made, it's just slowly creeping in, and hopefully by next year I can get my (TOUR) card and on my way."