20th Tournament of Champions this weekend

With over hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes at stake, this weekend’s Tournament of Champions promises to be the most exciting one yet in its 20-year history.

Members of the Tournament of Champions planning committee, including tournament director Ben Babauta, far right, pose for a group photo. From left, Boyet Centeno, Raynard Travilla, Jack Salas, Ray Camacho, Elna Tighe, Hillary Agulto, Marida Pensader, Amanda Sablan, Jeff Taylor, Marie Sablan, and Babauta. (Contributed Photo)

“Celebrating 20 years is an exciting milestone,” said Ben Babauta, tournament director. “And we are extremely thankful for all the contributions made by companies and individuals to make this year’s tournament extra special.”

The 20th Annual Tournament of Champions will be played at the LaoLao Bay Golf and Resort’s east and west courses on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2. The two-day event is bigger and better than ever with exciting hole-in-one prizes and the chance to win thousands of dollars in possible prizes. The TOC tournament fee is $200.

First place winners in the Men’s Championship, A, B, C, Senior and Super Senior Flights will each receive $500 cash, $400 for second, $300 for third, a digital camera for fourth, and $100 DFS gift certificate for fifth place. The Ladies Low Gross champion will receive $500, $400 for second, and $300 for third place. The first, second, and third place winners of the Ladies Low Net will receive a trophy.

Hole-in-one prizes include brand new vehicles donated by Atkins Kroll Toyota, Joeten Motors, Triple J Motors, and Club C. Pacifica Insurance and Club C are also sponsoring cash prizes as hole-in-one prizes, while Saipan Laolao Golf & Resort is offering one year of free golf as another hole-in-one prize. Delta Air Lines and Asiana Airlines are also offering airline tickets as hole-in-one prizes.

The tournament will also be featuring a $1,000 cash prize for closest to pin competition with a 25-year-old bottle of Chivas Regal.

Since its inception, the TOC has given over $700,000 to the Saipan Beautification Fund, which has gone directly to improvements like the tree-lined traffic medians that stretch from Garapan to the former Palm Resort Saipan, as well as the revitalization of the Garapan special district. In addition, TOC also contributed funds for the Paseo de Marianas, the lighting of the Saipan Beach Pathway, and most recently the beautification of the Port to Park pathway.

Platinum sponsors include T Galleria, Club C, Saipan Laolao Bay Golf and Resort, Marianas Visitors Bureau, Delta Air Lines, Titan Imports, and Best Sunshine Inc. Gold sponsors include IT&E, Tan Holdings, Saipan Computer Services, Triple J Motors, Joeten Motors, Nike Golf, Atkins Kroll, Asiana Airlines, Docomo Pacific, Miller and Pepsi, and Pacifica Insurance. The tournament is also supported by numerous other sponsors.

For more information, contact Babauta at 483-2563 or Hillary Agulto at 236-2571. For player information and to download the registration form, visit www.tocSaipan.com. (TOC)