KOHALA COAST — Nick Mason made a strong move for title No. 4 at the Hawaii State Open on Friday afternoon.
The former UH-Hilo golfer fired a 5-under 67 in the opening round of the prestigious tourney to finish one stroke ahead of Oregon professional Ray Richards and two strokes ahead of Oahu’s Cory Oride.
Defending champion, TJ Esaki-Kua, is in a seven-way tie at 2-under, putting him three strokes behind Mason. Brent Grant and Kyle Suppa are tied for the lead in the Championship Flight at 3-under.
Mason birdied three of his first five holes, carding a 33 on the front-nine.