TOC opens registration

While Saipan is busy bracing for the nearly 1,400 athletes, players, and coaches who will compete in this month’s 6th Micronesian Games, the folks at Laolao Bay Golf Resort are still preparing for the packed house when they host the Pacific region’s premier golfing event during the 11th Annual Tournament of Champions.

A field of nearly 300 duffers is expected to pace the fairways of one of the CNMI’s most lush leas, but before the opening drives leave the tees on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6, the participants will have to register for the big weekend.

After months of planning and building anticipation, the TOC entry forms are now available at the DFS Galleria in Garapan as well as the Laolao Bay Golf Resort, but interested participants may also obtain over the information super highway by visiting www.tocsaipan.org and downloading the entry form directly from the website.

Tournament chairman Ben Babauta said that the organizers of this year’s golf spectacular are looking forward to giving back to the community and that expect one of the best events to grace the greens.

“This is going to be another phenomenal year for TOC. We are proud to once again support the Saipan Beautification Fund as we assist in destination enhancement,” he said

Since its inception, TOC has given over $400,000 to the Beautification Fund which has gone directly to the improvements of the tree-lined traffic medians that stretch from Garapan to the Nikko Hotel, as well as the recent revitalization of the Garapan special district. In addition to the pair of eye-pleasing projects, the TOC also contributed funds for the Paseo de Marianas, the lighting of the Beach Pathway, and a number of other beautification projects.

The TOC will only be able to allow a maximum of 288 players and expected to fill up fast. Early bird entry fees of $200 per player will be honored until 5pm on July 28 when the fee increases to $225.

Duffers can shell out the ducats with cash, check, or credit cards and credit card payments must be made in person at the DFS Galleria administration offices on the second floor of the DFS Galleria. All checks should be made payable to the Saipan Beautification Fund.

For more information about the 2006 TOC, contact Andy Tidwell of Couture Marketing by calling 234-1305.