Punahou senior PJ Samiere committed to San Diego State last week, and Kamehameha senior Donny Hopoi said he will attend Dixie State in Utah. Both plan to continue what are already extremely successful golf careers.

Samiere reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in July, a week after getting to the second round of the U.S. Amateur Public Links. He won the ILH championship in the spring and his third-place individual finish — he opened with a 65 –helped the Buffanblu capture the state high school title.

"PJ has a natural feel for the game and is mentally tough," SDSU coach Ryan Donovan said in a school press release. "He will provide an immediate impact for our team."

Hopoi tied for eighth at states, helping the Warriors to a third-place finish. He was fourth as a sophomore and seventh as a freshman. Outside of school, he was the youngest qualifier at the 2011 U.S. Amateur (14) and won consecutive Hawaii State Golf Association Four-Ball titles with Jared Flores.

"We are very excited to have Donny join the Dixie State program," coach Brad Sutterfield said. "He is a top player from the state of Hawaii and he will bring an immediate impact to our team. … With the experience he has gained on the national level, Hopoi will step right in and contribute next year."

Moanalua senior John Oda, the 2012 state high school champion, committed to UNLV last year.

Mitsubishi makes donation

Tournament officials from the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalaipresented $55,000 to the Rotary Club of Kona recently. The Rotary Club has played an integral role in organizing tournament volunteers since the event began in 1997.

The money will be donated to nonprofit groups to "support Big Island community projects, valuable healthcare programs for kids and college scholarships." The tournament has raised more than $900,000 for local charities.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Electric Championship will be Jan. 17-19. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit pgatour.com/mec.

Alex Ching tied for 29th

Punahou graduate Alex Ching tied for 29th at last week’s 87 Abierto de Chile tournament, a stop on the NEC Series-PGA Tour Latinoamerica. He shot rounds of 72-73-71-70.

Ching has won $5,336 in 11 starts and is 87th on the money list. The top 60 keep their playing privileges.

He is playing in the Personal Classic this week in Argentina.

LOCAL ACES