Photos by Night.Sky.Creative
Houston, TX — March 2, 2026 — The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) proudly hosted the inaugural Glen Gondo Memorial Golf Classic at the Golf Club of Houston, bringing together community leaders, business partners, and friends for a day of golf, friendship, and remembrance.
More than a tournament, the event served as a tribute to the life and legacy of Glen Y. Gondo—a respected entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime supporter of JASH who believed deeply in the power of relationships and the importance of strengthening ties between the United States and Japan. Known for his humility, generosity, and warm sense of humor, Glen helped build bridges across cultures and communities throughout Houston and beyond.
The tournament was created in that spirit—to foster connection, camaraderie, and partnership while continuing Glen’s tradition of giving back. Proceeds from the event will support the Japan-America Society of Houston and its educational and cultural programs, helping to advance U.S.–Japan understanding for future generations.
Under beautiful Houston skies, nineteen teams of four golfers enjoyed a memorable day on the greens, competing in a friendly but spirited scramble while also taking part in on-course contests including Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin.
JASH extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Gondo family, whose support and presence made the day especially meaningful, as well as to the sponsors, volunteers, and participants who helped make this inaugural event a success.
As the round concluded, players gathered in the clubhouse to celebrate the day’s highlights and recognize both outstanding play and the lighthearted moments that make golf such a memorable game.
Tournament Results - TEAM AWARDS
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
| 1st Place | Team 18 - H-E-B Score: 57 Mike Newkham David Hamilton Manny Colunga James Harris |
Members of the Championship Team each received $150 Katami gift certificates, courtesy of Chef Manabu Horiuchi, and two certificates for a full round of golf at the Golf Club of Houston, along with the distinction of becoming the first-ever champions of the Glen Gondo Memorial Golf Classic.
TEAM TO WATCH (aka 2nd PLACE!)
| Team to Watch | Team 19: H-E-B Score: 58 Bobby Moreno David Solis Sam Arciniega Rick Elizondo |
Second place winners received Koi Nobori–shaped golf towels, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and always rising to the occasion.
“FUTURE CHAMPIONS” TEAM (aka LAST PLACE!)
| "Future Champions" Award | Team 4 - Tokyo Gardens Company Score: 88 Jae Lee Jimmy Choi Larry Payton Kyoung Kim |
The inaugural “Future Champions” received a Tin Cup Lucky Horseshoe Ball Stencil and Jinkies cloth—for extra luck and clearer views of the fairway at next year’s tournament.
Tournament Results - INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
LONGEST DRIVE & CLOSEST TO THE PIN
| Longest Drive (Hole #4) |
Lark Howorth |
| Closest to the Pin (Hole #7) |
Lark Howorth |
Lark Howorth received Arccos Smart Sensors game tracker for Longest Drive and a $200 Golf Club of Houston Pro Shop gift certificate for Closest to the Pin.
GLEN’S GRIT AWARD
| Glen's Grit Award | Arjan van Staverem |
Voted on by fellow contestants, Glen’s Grit Award is a lighthearted recognition of a golfer who demonstrated extraordinary determination in locating their golf ball during the tournament.
While Glen’s son fondly shared that Glen himself was often more inclined to take a drop rather than spend too much time searching for a ball, he also had great respect for those who showed the patience and perseverance to track one down. In that spirit, this award celebrates the determination and good humor that are such an important part of the game.
The recipient received a professional ball retriever—ensuring they are even better prepared for next year.
MULLIGAN INVESTOR AWARD
| Mulligan Investor Awards |
Josh Holm Delene Sedillo Yasuko Hasegawa |
The Mulligan Investor Award recognizes golfers who chose to “invest” in a second chance during the tournament by purchasing mulligans. All golfers who purchased mulligans were entered into a drawing, and the lucky winners received course gift certificates for four.
“PICK YOUR PERK” AWARD
| Pick Your Perk | Asia Chemical Corp. |
Courtesy of the Golf Club of Houston, the Pick Your Perk prize was awarded through a random drawing. For this inaugural tournament, the selected perk was a foursome of golf on the tournament course, giving the team from Asia Chemical Corp. the opportunity to return and enjoy another round on the same course where the Glen Gondo Memorial Golf Classic was played.
Together, the day’s awards and on-course play reflected both the competitive spirit and the camaraderie that Glen valued so deeply—reminding everyone that while great shots are worth celebrating, the friendships and shared moments on the course are what truly make the game special.
The inaugural tournament marked the beginning of what JASH hopes will become a longstanding tradition honoring Glen Gondo’s legacy while strengthening connections within the Houston and Japan communities.
JASH looks forward to welcoming participants back next year for the 2nd Annual Glen Gondo Memorial Golf Classic.
