New 'Makau' trophy unveiled at Mitsubishi Electric Champ.

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Chris Condon/PGA TOUR

The new trophy is modeled after the "Makau" hook, an ancient Hawaiian symbol.

KA'UPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii -- The Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai kicked off tournament week festivities with the unveiling of a new trophy at a Tuesday pro-am pairings party. The tournament is located at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu located on the Big Island of Hawaii's Kona coast.

The hand-crafted wooden trophy was modeled after the 'Makau' hook, an ancient Hawaiian symbol representing excellence and one who provides for the whole. It was designed to capture both the uniqueness of the event and to honor Hawaii's deep-rooted traditions and culture.

Carved out of wood or bone, early Hawaiian settlers used hand-made hooks or Makaus to catch fish. The symbol is now an important part of the culture because the Makau provided food and thus helped sustain life. Still used by some fishermen today, the Makau is now seen more as a symbol of personal excellence and dedication to the community at large and is worn as a pendant by many.

William Rau, the general manager of Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions has great admiration for the Makau and its significance. "Historically, Hawaii's best fishermen gained respect due to their ability to provide 'prize catches' for their families," he said. "At the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, the Champions Tour's finest golfers hone their craft as they also pursue excellence.' "

Brian Goin, vice president of Championship Management for the PGA TOUR, said the decision to switch to a trophy more Hawaiian in look and feel makes perfect sense. "We liked the idea of the wooden fish hook and feel it better ties the tournament to the Hawaiian culture. The hook also represents the basis of PGA TOUR golf and what the TOUR stands for in the way of charity -- providing for and giving back to many."

The new trophy was carved out of wood from a Koa tree, the largest native tree in Hawaii. The Koa tree is known for its deep red and brown hues, often used for cabinets and fine furniture, and able to grow to heights of 100 feet or more with a trunk diameter of five feet. In ancient times, canoes, spears and paddles were typically made from Koa wood.

"The makau today represents a badge of honor. The person presented with this hook has been selected as one that upholds the traditions of hard work, ambition, communication and an awareness of "the whole." Said Earl Regidor, director of the Hualalai Hawaiian Cultural Center. "The Champions Tour player that wins at Hualalai will truly embody these characteristics represented by the Makau.

Following a two-day pro-am, official rounds of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai will begin on Friday at the Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Course in Ka'upulehu-Kona. The 54-hole event featuring 36 of the Champions Tour's top players will air live on the GOLF CHANNEL Friday, January 22 from 6:30-9:00 pm ET and 7:30-10:00 pm ET on Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24.