Newcomer Kim keeps RGA January Ace

Refaluwasch Golf Association’s newest member Kim Soo retained the RGA January Ace title after his net score in the qualifier went unbeaten in last Sunday’s tournament at the Marianas Country Club.

Kim carded a net 70 in the RGA January Ace qualifier and Tars Olopai fell two strokes short of surpassing the former’s score. Olopai, a 9-handicapper, shot 40s on the front and back nines to top last Sunday’s tournament, but his net 71 was not enough to allow him to grab the January plum from Kim.

The new RGA member also joined last weekend’s competition and tallied a net 73 for third place. The 7-handicapper Kim posted a 41 in the first nine holes and nailed a 39 in the last nine for a gross 80. He defeated Jordan Kosam in the scorecards tiebreak, as Kim had a net 36.5 on the front nine against the latter’s 39. Kosam, who sported a 16 handicap, made a 47 and 42 on the front and back nines for a gross 89.

Rounding out the Top 3 of last weekend’s tournament was RGA veteran Jess Wabol, who logged a net 72. The 7-handicapper Wabol was a bit flat in his first tournament of the season, scoring a 41 on the front nine, but played better on the back with a 38 for a gross 79. Wabol also won the closest to the pin shot on hole No. 12, while Ulysis Kapileo prevailed on hole No. 6.

Last Sunday’s RGA January Ace tournament drew 18 players. The list includes (with their net scores) Woo (76), Ahn (74), Tom Tebuteb (80), Ray Tigilau (75), S. Fong (86). Frankie Pangelinan (82), Kapilero (74), Nick Guerrero (75), Joe Saures (78), Tony Camacho (82), Manny Mangarero (78), Joe Wabol (82), Choi (76), and J. Fong (102).

The club then held a potluck banquet after the competition at Camacho’s residence in Tanapag.

“We would like to thank Tony Camacho and family for hosting us and also Pacific Trading, Co. for their donation,” RGA official Jess Wabol said.

Wabol added that the club will be holding the February qualifier on Feb. 12 at the Kingfisher Golf Links. Then on Feb. 19, another tournament will take place at the Talafofo course with the February Ace at stake.

RGA is still accepting members for an annual fee of only $25. For more information, contact Saures at 483-5508, Wabol at 288-1119, and treasurer/handicap director Sonny Flores at 234-1748.