Atalig tames COP to remain frontrunner

J.J. Atalig is showing that he wants to clinch one of the four spots on the NMI Men’s National Golf Team as he again topped the second round of tryouts last Saturday held at the Coral Ocean Point Golf Resort.

Atalig

The third of the five-round open tryouts will be held for the last time at COP with registration starting at 10am and tee off at 11am. The last two rounds, on Feb. 14 and 21, will then move to Kingfisher Golflinks with the same registration and shotgun start times.

Atalig, who on Jan. 31 fired a 76, again shot the lowest score with a 77 to remain the frontrunner in the team being formed for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea set from July 4 to 18 in Port Moresby.

Ed Peters, who is supervising the tryouts and has showed his intention of coaching the team, also shot a 77 followed by Louie Tilipao’s 78 and the 80 and 83 each of Harry Nakamura and Franco Santos.

Peters, in a telephone interview, said that the Marianas Golf Association made a pledge of donating funds to the CNMI men’s golf team.

“We’re very thankful for the pledge they made to contribute on the fund of the team. This will be a big help on tphhe team’s trip to the Pacific Games,” said Peters.

He again renewed his invitation to all local golfers to join Saturday’s third round.

“Even if you are not going to tryout, come and join us in playing golf. Come and support the team. I also call on all members of the Refaluwasch Golf Association to show their support,” added Peters.

The gross scores of all participants after they complete the five rounds will be compiled to determine the Top 12 who will make the final cut and move on to the next stage where they will play another five rounds. Each tryout plays 18 holes.

The Top 5 players, including the alternate, after the final five-round qualifying stage will represent the CNMI in the XV Pacific Games. The Royal Port Moresby Golf Club in the National Capital District will host the golf event.

Participants, in the last three rounds, will only pay the green fee and an additional $20 for Teac CNMI’s fund to the Pacific Games.

Peters is hoping to form a strong team that will hopefully bring home a medal of any color.

Competing teams in the Pacific Games will compete for the 12 medals at stake in the men’s and women’s singles and the men’s and women’s team events.

For more information on the open tryouts, call Peters at 288-7482 or 788-7664.