Olopai keeps RGA September Ace

Tars Olopai secured the Refaluwasch Golf Association September Ace crown after Sunday’s tournament at the Kingfisher Golf Links.

Olopai shot a net 66 in the qualifier early this month to set the score to beat for the September Ace plum. He also competed in the monthly tournament and hit a net 71.

Manny Mangarero drilled a net 66 in last weekend’s Ace of the Month, only tying Olopai’s score.

RGA rules state that a golfer must surpass the top scorer for the qualifier to gain the monthly plum.

Actually, even if Mangarero had beaten Olopai’s score, the latter still gets to keep the September Ace, as the former had already won the July title.

RGA rules bar repeat monthly winners.

The 12-handicapper Mangarero fired a 41 and 37 on the front and back nines, respectively, for a gross 78 to beat 12 other RGA members in the qualifier.

Nick Sablan recorded the second-best net score with 67, after his consistent performance on the 18-hole course, posting an even 36 on the front and 1-over par 37 on the back. Sablan had a gross 1-over par 73.

Three golfers tied for third with identical net scores of 68. But the 21-handicapper Joe Wabol edged Tony Rogolofoi and Asterio Tawanpiy via scorecard playoff on the front nine.

Wabol had a net 33.5 after the first nine holes, as he finished with a 44 on the front and 45 on the back for a gross 89.

Rogolifoi dropped to fourth with his net 34. The 16-handicapper shot a 42 on both nines for a gross 84. February Ace Tawanpiy, who has a six handicap, tallied a net 35 after the first nine holes. He nailed a 41 on the front nines and played better on the back with a 38.

In sixth place was Ed Tenorio with a net 69, followed by Jess I. Wabol (71), Olopai (71), Fuchulu Tigilau (72), Dwaine Stephens (73), Sonny Flores (75), Tom Tebuteb (75), and Jordan Kossam (78).

Jess Wabol won the closest to the pin contest in hole No. 6, while Flores prevailed in hole No. 15.

Meanwhile, Jess Wabol is reminding monthly Ace winners to meet the required number of tournaments before they are allowed to join the club championship in December.

Monthly Ace winners must participate in at least six qualifying tournaments or RGA-sanctioned events to gain entry to the season-ending RGA Cup.

Wabol is also reminding members to prepare for the Family Fun Day tournament on Dec. 13.

For more information on RGA tournaments, contact Wabol at 233-3673.