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The Ronin Ryder Cup started as a contest between friends, Mitch Higa and Mark Nakakihara vs Donald and Mel Hashimoto. The Grand Prize: a plastic champagne cup with a ball glued to the top and bragging rights.
From this humble beginning, the Ronin Ryder Cup was formed. The Inaugural Tournament started in 1997 at the Paiute Golf Resort in Las Vegas. A larger, more graceful trophy to commemorate the winners replaced the elegant, but fragile original (destroyed when Mark dropped it).
Four players from both LA and Orange counties in California participated. Craig Fuchino and Ken Kayoda joined with Mitch and Mark to represent Orange County. Tom Kurata and Grant Uba teamed with Donald and Mel to represent LA County.
Orange County, captained by Mitch, edged the LA County team, managed by Donald, in the singles events on the last day to take home the trophy and claim victory in an exciting and very successful first Ronin Ryder Cup tournament. The competitive fire started from this event has provided a backdrop to all subsequent tournaments and is still in full force today.
Since that first 8-man tournament, the membership has expanded to over 90 in 2021. The competition is fierce, but friendly, and continues to be the most anticipated golfing event of the year. Many of the original members are still active and provide direction and leadership over the tournament.
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