Chiarella secures Maui Open victory with eagle on final hole
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Professional golfer Alex Chiarella won his fourth Maui Open title Sunday at The King Kamehameha Golf Club, breaking a tie with rising amateur Robert Loree by making an eagle on the final hole.
Facing a 12-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th hole, Chiarella converted to finish at 7-under and secure a one-stroke victory with a two-round total of 137.
Loree had birdied the 18th to finish at 6-under 138. In June, Loree won the boys 13-14 division at the 2026 King Auto Group 13-18 State Championship, but Chiarella's final putt denied the young golfer the Maui Open title.
With the victory, Chiarella also earned the $10,000 winner's prize.
"Alex's performance exemplifies the spirit and competitiveness of the Maui Open. His victory is a testament to his dedication and skill," said Mike Morris, chair of the Maui Open Board of Directors.
The Women's Flight Gross division also ended in a playoff, with Emi McMillen birdieing the 18th hole to defeat Naiya Hamasaki in sudden death. Both golfers finished two rounds at 6-over 150.
In the Women's Flight Net division, Aubrey Santander shot a second-round 64 to finish at 10-under 134, 13 strokes ahead of runner-up Olivia McNeil.
Also, University of Hawaii golfer Christopher Salem, who graduated from Maui Prep, hit a hole-in-one during a practice round Friday at the Maui Open. Salem aced the No. 3 hole while playing with his high school coach Jeff Hall and his coach's son.
The Maui Open welcomes professional and amateur golfers competing across multiple flights. First contested in 1952 as the Maui Invitational, its past champions include Tadd Fujikawa in 2009; Lance Suzuki in 1976, 1985 and 1989; Casey Nakama in 1992, 1998 and 2001; and Ted Makalena in 1961 and 1967.
For more information, visit MauiOpen.org.
Maui Open
Sept. 12-13, 2026
at King Kamehameha Golf Club
Championship Flight -- 1. Alex Chiarella (pro), 68-69--137; 2. Robert Loree (amateur), 66-72--138; 3. Justin Keiley (pro), 74-67--141.
Senior Flight (age 55 and older, handicap 6.2 or lower) -- 1. Markus Garard, 73-74--147; 2. Craig Larson, 72-76--148; 3. Elliot Gouveia, 72-80--152.
Super Senior Flight (age 65 and older, handicap 6.2 or lower) -- 1. Michael Rich, 73-76--149; 2. John Romaine, 76-74--150; 3. Eric Molina, 79-75--154; 3. Mike Gross, 76-78--154.
A Flight (amateurs with handicap 15.4 or lower) -- 1. Brett Smith, 68-74--142; 2. Aaron Yoshizu, 71-72--143; 3. Todd Ayotte, 76-69--145.
Women's Flight Gross (amateurs with handicap 15.4 or lower) -- 1. Emi McMillen, 75-75--150 (won playoff); 2. Naiya Hamasaki, 79-71--150.
Women's Flight Net -- 1. Aubrey Santander, 70-64--134; 2. Olivia McNeil, 76-71--147.