MVA spotlights Marianas at Japan Golf Fair 2009

One of the top leisure activities attracting visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands took center stage over the weekend as the Marianas Visitors Authority and its industry partners joined close to 200 other exhibitors at the Japan Golf Fair 2009.

The annual event attracted over 45,000 consumers and representatives of the golf trade and media during its run from Feb. 20-22, 2009, in Tokyo. MVA Japan office staffer Nanako Shibuya and Vice President and General Manager Tetsuya Matsunaga of Laolao Bay Golf Resort shared information on the eight golf courses on Saipan and Rota. MVA also conducted a questionnaire, offering participants a chance to win a trip to Saipan.

“Saipan and Rota have much to offer the Japanese golfer,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “Good golfing weather year-round, reasonable fees, and beautiful courses designed by golf greats like Greg Norman. It’s a quick weekend getaway with friends, business associates or family.”

Golf courses in the Northern Marianas include seven on the island of Saipan and one on Rota:
Kingfisher Golf Links (18 holes): Strong elevation changes and several blind holes make this course designed by Graham Marshall challenging, yet playable. Dramatic ocean views abound from both upland and cliff lines holes. A first-class restaurant/bar facility, a pair of teahouses overlooking the sea, and pro shop round out the amenities of this course.

Laolao Bay Golf Resort (two 18 holes): Two courses designed by Greg Norman offer ocean views. The 6,334-yard East Course requires more accurate play, with narrower fairways and four consecutive cliff line holes. The 6,805 West Course offers more expansive fairways but still challenges with blind holes and over water shots. A striking new clubhouse with a large pro-shop and a restaurant awaits players and shoppers.

Coral Ocean Point Resort (18 holes): This 7,014-yard course designed by Larry Nelson is highlighted by ocean winds and two tees over the reef-fringed Tinian channel. A small restaurant at the hotel and a snack shack on the course keep golfers well fed.

Marianas Country Club (18 holes and 9 holes): This course winds around a plateau at 300 feet along Saipan’s geological backbone, offering a bird’s eye view of the shining Philippine Sea. While course is open, challenging elevation changes, a few very narrow fairways, and strategically placed flame trees and swaying palms balance more conventional holes and keep players engaged. A small, 9-hole par 3 course located near the hotel can be used as a warm-up, for practice, or to introduce new golfers to the game. A gift shop and a clubhouse-turn-restaurant complement this course.

Saipan Country Club (9 holes): Nine holes remain of the original short, narrow 18 hole course built for the US Navy in the 1960s. This executive course provides a nice tune-up for other full-length courses. Carts are not allowed so carrying or pulling your clubs is suggested.

Rota Resort & Country Club (18 holes): The lone course on the island of Rota measures 7.093 yards and is framed by endless ocean views and a lush jungle background punctuated by small lakes, interesting rock formations, and an occasional exotic bird.

For 43 years, the Japan Golf Fair has served as a venue for golf products and golf destination promotions. Thousands of consumers depend on the information they gather at the fair for making plans to play the game at new locations, either for business or recreation. [B][I](MVA)[/I][/B]