JENNIE K WILSON WOMEN'S INVITATIONAL

Sponsored by the Mid-Pacific Country Club Women’s division, the event has helped to promote women’s golf in Hawaii and is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the state. The tournament was named in honor of Jennie K. Wilson, a former dancer in the court of King Kalakaua, and the wife of one of Honolulu’s beloved mayors, John H. Wilson, after whom the “Wilson Tunnel” on the Likelike Highway was named. Even though Jennie K. was not a golfer, she was beloved by people from all over Oahu.

The “Jennie K.”, as the tournament is fondly known in the golfing community, is considered the premier amateur women’s golf event in Hawaii. It is one of only two 54-hole low gross medal play tournaments for amateur women. The tournament is played at Mid Pacific Country Club, in Lanikai, Kailua, where the course sports a spectacular backdrop, with glorious views of the Ko’olau mountain range. Golfers from many different walks of life and generations are proud to say they are participants and winners of the “Jennie K.”

Participants over the years have been the best women golfers in Hawaii and around the world. The winner of the inaugural Jennie K was Edna Lee Jakola, who went on to win again in 1955. Other winners included six-time winner Joan Damon, Billie Beamer, Lesly Ann Komoda, Anna Umemura and Michelle Wie who won the title at the age of 11. The 2004 Jennie K. winner was 16 year old Amanda Wilson of Hilo.

The motto of the Jennie K. since its inaugural year in 1950 is Kulia I Ka Nu’u, meaning strive for the highest. Not only was this the personal motto of both Queen Kapiolani and Aunty Jennie, year after year it also seems to fit for each of the women challenging them in this prestigious competition.