Dela Cruz, Atalig rule Chamber golf

J.J. Atalig, second left, and Joey dela Cruz, right, celebrate their victory with Steven Brownstein, left, and Nola Hix after winning the men’s double peoria format of the 2014 Saipan Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic last Saturday at Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort. (Jon Perez)

Atalig and Dela Cruz ended up in a three-way tie with the pairs of Michael Sablan and Ralph Yumul and Harry Nakamura and Luis S. Tilipao as even a slight drizzle did not dampen the mood of all three teams when they finished with similar scores of 69.40 in the men’s double peoria-format tournament. In the first tiebreak (scorecards), the tandems of Dela Cruz and Atalig and Sablan and Yumul prevailed and the two remaining teams were forced to go to the 487-yard, par-5 18th playoff hole.

In the playoff, Sablan shot even-par while Atalig eagled the hole to give him and Dela Cruz the win. Sablan and Yumul settled for second, while Nakamura and Tilipao finished third.

In the men’s low gross, Adam Lee and Seon Lee were the best pair after combining for a 64 with a 31 and 33 at the front and back nines, respectively. Kenji Suzuki and Mit Suzuki of Japan came in second with a 65 (33 and 32) while Jason Yi and Park Joung Hoon finished with a third best 66 (34 and 32).

Kim Yang and teammate Yoo Chang Hee topped the Ladies two-person net category with rounds of 37 and 38 for a combined score of 75. Kim Yuri and Kwan Yung Sook settled for second place with a 72 (36 and 36), while the duo of Jeon Ma Ae and Jeon Seo Yeon finished third after shooting a 70 (34 and 36).

Champions in each of the three categories received $800, while the second and third place pairs pocketed $500 and $300, respectively.

Meanwhile, Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex A. Sablan thanked all who participated and supported the annual fundraising tournament.

“We had a little bit of rain but it did not cause any major delay. It turned out to be a nice day to play golf. As always, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce is thankful to all the golfers who came out and play, to all the sponsors for their generous contribution, and all the volunteers for their time. We had a fun event. Everybody had a great time in the fundraising tournament where 94 participated. A lot more paid the [$100] registration fee, but did not show up and we understand that because of the other events [on Saipan],” said Sablan.

The longtime Chamber member added that they are expecting the two-man scramble best ball tournament would raise close to $9,000, which will be used to fund their group’s scholarship projects.

“We normally get $9,000 and it is enough to fund our scholarship projects for deserving students in the Northern Marianas College, high school, and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute in honor of Tony Pellegrino,” added Sablan.

“Next year, we’re expecting to have a bigger and another successful event. Our membership and corporate sponsors make this tournament what it is. [Major sponsor] Steven Brownstein gives a significant amount of money to host it. This tournament is successful with the combined efforts of all Saipan Chamber members, golfers, sponsors, and the volunteers,” the Chamber president said. (Jon Perez)