Close win for Patrick Guerrero

In this undated file photo, Patrick Guerrero watches his tee shot during a local tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort. (Contributed Photo)

The winner of the Marianas Golf Association November Ace was decided by a hair with Patrick Guerrero nosing out Gus Palacios and Tony Satur in the monthly competition held at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

The 15-handicapper recorded a pair of 40s on the front and back nines of the east course of the Kagman facility for a gross 80 and net 65. Guerrero was up by only one stroke against Satur and Palacios, who shot similar net 66s, but the latter took the runner-up honors after prevailing in the scorecard playoffs. Palacios holds a 24 handicap and carded a 42 in the first nine holes and 48 in the last for a gross 90. The 9-handicapper Satur, on the other hand, had a gross 77 after firing a 36 on the front nine and 37 on the back.

J.J. Atalig registered the best gross in the November competition with his 68 (37 and 31), but settled for fourth place, as he ended up with a net 67. Joey Dela Cruz (net 68) came in at fifth place and was joined in the Top 10 by Dung Tenorio (68), Charlie Peters (69), Mel Sablan (69), Keoni Chariton (69), and Jack Salas (69). Twenty-one other golfers joined the Nov. 21 tournament, including guest players Tony Benavente, Tony Deleon Guerrero, and Sylvester Javier.

Peters, meanwhile, triumphed in one of the closest to the pin contests (hole No. 4) in the event. Other closest to the pin winners were Patrick George (No. 6), Rep. Marco Peter (No. 11), and Jack Salas (No 15)

Marianas Golf Association members pose for a photo before heading out to the course to compete in the November Ace tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort last Nov. 21. (Contributed Photo)

‘Peps’ Turkey Shootout
In honor of its late member, Jason “Peps” Sablan, MGA held a “turkey shootout” simultaneously with the November Ace competition.

“This was special for MGA as we added a turkey shootout in remembrance of long-time member Jason “Peps” Sablan. We recently lost Jason to cancer. Jason loved to play golf and was always looking forward to our monthly aces. He’s been a member since we created MGA in 2013,” MGA vice president Joey Dela Cruz said.

In the shootout, Paul Kaipat and Rep. Marco Peter (R-Saipan) won the closest to fairway pin contest on No. 3 and 12, respectively.

The November Ace was MGA’s seventh competition for the 2020-2021 season and its monthly events will run until April. Interested players can still join the monthly events, as MGA is open for membership. Annual membership fees are $40 for newcomers and $30 for returnees.