Hudkins, Jones top inaugural Maritime Golf

Golfers Bob Hudkins and Richard Jones combined for the best performance in yesterday’s Inaugural Maritime Day Golf Tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort west course.

The one-two punch of Hudkins and Jones was too much for the field of 27 teams in the two-person best ball competition as the two combined to shoot a gross score of four-under 68. The two sported a 6 handicap and when that came into effect, they finished with a 62.

Hudkins and Jones were phenomenal as the two recorded identical scores of two-under 34 in the front and back nines. The two posted four birdies and saved par on all other holes.

Hudkins and Jones weren’t the only ones to finish with a net score of 62 as the duo of Danny Quitugua and Larry Hocog also accomplished the feat. Quitugua and Hocog also recorded a gross score of 4-under 68 and had a 6 handicap as well, however, finished in second because of a scorecard tiebreaker.

Quitugua also Hocog birdied three holes in the front nine, but a bogey on hole No. 15 resulted in the tie. In all, the combo birdied on five holes and saved par on all holes aside from their bogey.

Third place went to Candy Castro and Jess Aldan, who also finished with a gross score of 4-under 68. The two posted a 2 handicap to finish with a net score of 66.

With the win, Hudkins and Jones earned $1,000 plus bragging rights. Quitugua and Hocog pocketed $500 while Castro and Aldan went home with $300.

Meanwhile, closest to the pin winners were Ralph Yumul on hole No. 3, Gil Faller on hole No. 7, Fred Taitague on hole No. 13, and Ed Cho on hole No. 17. Each earned $100.

The day began with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signing a proclamation acknowledging the many contributions of the Merchant Marines, as well as other maritime personnel.

The tournament followed and all participants were treated to a banquet after play.

Activities continued at 5pm with a wreath laying in honor of Mariners at the Port of Saipan, followed by a reception at 6:30pm at AJ’s Restaurant & Piano Bar.

Activities continue today with a flag raising ceremony at 8am at American Memorial Park. The Merchant Marine flag will fly all day to recognize and celebrate the contribution of all personnel working in maritime activities.

All events are organized by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the CNMI Governor’s Office, and the Navy League.