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CNMI men’s golf team tryout set on Jan. 24
The open tryout for the CNMI men’s national golf team that will compete in the 2015 Pacific Games is set on Jan. 24 at the Coral Ocean Golf Resort.
The Refaluwasch Golf Association is spearheading the tryout through the efforts of Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi. Check in time is at 10m and shotgun start is 11am.
“There’s interest in forming a national golf team to compete in the Pacific Games. We want to form a 4-member men’s team since Jan. 16 is the deadline for entry by numbers for sports federations competing in the Pacific Games,” said Rogolifoi.
“We need to inform NMSA that we’re sending a team. That’s why RGA, which represents the golfers in the Northern Marianas Sports Association, is leading the way to get things organized.”
Members of RGA and the Marinas Golf Association attended yesterday’s meeting and they discussed the preparations for the one-day tryout, which will follow a gross play format for 18 rounds.
A $100 fee will be collected, which includes the green fees. The remaining amount after the green fees are deducted will be the startup fund for the golf team ‘s trip to Papua New Guinea.
RGA member Ed Peters is inviting all golfers to tryout and show their support to the CNMI national men’s team.
“This is an open tryout and regardless of the players association everyone must work and play hard for them to get on the team. We just need the best four players that will represent the CNMI in the Pacific Games,” said Peters in a telephone interview.
Peters showed interest in coaching the team and Rogolifoi has requested that the long-time CNMI golfer submit his credentials.
Traditionally, there are two alternate members, but they won’t be joining the trip to Port Moresby and instead will stay on Saipan. The alternates will only go to replace a team member in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances.
A total of 12 medals will be at stake in the four-day golf tournament, including the men’s and women’s singles, and men’s and women’s team events.
The 2015 Pacific Games is set from July 4 to 18 in Papua New Guinea with the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club in the National Capital District in Port Moresby hosting the event.
New Caledonia dominated the golf competition when it hosted the 2011 edition of the Pacific Games in Noumea, sweeping all four gold medals—men’s and women’s singles, and team events. The host added two silver and one bronze medals to its collection. (Jon Perez)
