The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), in conjunction with the Hawai'i State Golf Association have secured several key strategic partners to bring the first-ever AJGA tournament to Hawai‘i. The Imperial Hawai'i Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao, scheduled for Oct. 10-13, will mark a milestone in the AJGA’s mission to expand access to elite junior golf nationwide.
The field features 78 players from 14 states and six countries. Underscoring the importance of an event in Hawai'i, 21 players call the islands home.
Players to Watch:
Keelee Nogawa of Aiea, Hawaii
- No. 408 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Highest ranked Hawaiian in the field
- Won the 2025 TaylorMade Preview at Bentwater presented by Visit Conroe (Ages 12-15)
Kailer Stone of Alameda, California
- No. 74 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Highest ranked player in the field
- Won the 2024 Fresno / Clovis CVB Junior Championship
- 2023 AJGA Junior All-Star Team member
Landon Abalateo of Fair Oaks, California
- No. 136 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Won the 2025 PGA West Junior Championship
- 3rd, 2024 AJGA Junior at Copper Valley
Sasha Challagolla of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- No. 145 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Highest ranked girl in the field
- Four AJGA top-10 finishes in 2025, including a runner up at the Alton Illinois Junior Championship presented by UHY
Ahead of this monumental event, we spoke with Ed Kageyama, PGA General Manager of Pearl at Kalauao, to gather unique insights into traveling to and playing in the Aloha State.
In your own words, what does this mean for the AJGA to visit Hawai'i for the first time?
Ed: We are very excited to be hosting the first-ever AJGA tournament in Hawaii. To have such a prestigious event at Pearl at Kalauao, and for it to be the first-ever AJGA event is phenomenal. We are honored to be able to provide such an opportunity to our keiki (junior) golfers.
What travel tips would you offer to first-time travelers to Oahu?
Ed: Pack your bathing suit! Although the tournament is all business, make some time for the beach. Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world…and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
What architectural attributes are most exemplified at Pearl at Kalauao?
Ed: The course sits on the side of the Pu’uloa hillside, so there aren’t many even lies. Coupled with the trade winds, dialing in your yardages will be key.
You were influential in last year’s golf course and clubhouse renovations. What course enhancements will players notice most during the inaugural Imperial Hawai'i Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao?
Ed: The architectural design elements people will notice are the green complexes. They are undulating like the course, and a good short game will be key to doing well at Pearl at Kalauao.
Your goal is to make this an annual AJGA event in Hawai'i. For players and parents who were not able to register or qualify in 2025, what takeaways would you like them to know for 2026?
Ed: Plan for 2026! We look forward to having the AJGA here each year, mark your calendars! A trip to Hawaii in October, would be a great reward for all the hard work throughout the year.