McDougal makes most of Hyatt trip

While local golfers are busy shining their irons and polishing their woods for next weekend’s Club at the Hyatt Golf Classic at Laolao Bay Golf Resort, “links legend” Jimmy McDougal has been wiling away the days taking swig and swings across the island.

After arriving on Saipan nearly a month in advance of the tournament, McDougal has made the most of his time at the Hyatt, and most recently completed the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.

“It’s always going to be a benefit in case any of the lovely ladies need some CPR ya know,” said McDougal.

Rather than spend all of his spare time pitching the greens for the Classic, McDougal has been seen pitching in to carry the load by spending some time at the pool life guarding.

“I’m getting pretty good at it. And hey, what’s better than a beautiful day under the Saipan sun at the Hyatt where it’s my job to keep a close eye on the guests,” he said.

Though he has enjoyed the change of pace, McDougal has been keen on the task at hand, and plans to make up for last year’s unfortunate groin pull the morning of the tournament by winning it all this time around.

“I really feel ready this year. I’ve heard of some fantastic prizes you know. Flights to Japan and Guam with stays at the Hyatts there, loads of stuff from the Saipan Hyatt, BBQ pits from Miller Lite, golf bags from Budweiser, Hole-in-One cars from Microl and Triple J, and heaps more,” he said.

The tournament of leisure is slated for Saturday, Oct. 15, and is making the switch to Laolao Bay Golf Resort’s beautiful and challenging West Course. Just like last year, the tournament holds a 4-person best-ball scramble format that evens the odds for the sub-par without handicapping the best of the best.

The registration time at the course is 6:30am followed by a 7:25am shotgun start, and the cost to swing with the kings is $95 for Club Elan Members and $110 for non-members

In addition to driving, pitching, and putting around the links, the Hyatt is teaming up with the Laolao staff to host the first fun run on the course a day before the tournament on Friday, Oct. 14. The 5km journey down the fairways is open to the entire family, and tournament director Faheem Ebrahim said that kids are encouraged to join their parents for the sunset run.

While not widely known as fleet afoot, McDougal is anxiously awaiting the 5km Fun Run the evening before the golf-athon.

“It’s gonna be a blast. Can you believe the folks at Laolao are going to let us run around the fairways? What a fantastic family idea,” he said.

The first-time event will begin with registration and check-in at 4:45pmfollowed by the 5:15pm run time. The cost to participate in the course run is $5 for children and $10 for adults.

According to Ebrahim, slots for the Classic are filling up fast as already 100 of the available 136 positions are filled.

For more information about the tournament or the course run, contact Ebrahim by calling 234-1234 ext 5827, or via email febrahim@hyattsaipan.com.