Fajardo is SGA Ace of Aces

Mariano DLG Fajardo was hailed Saipan Golfers Association’s Ace of Aces champion during the season-ending tournament’s awards banquet held last Dec. 9 at Pacific Islands Club Saipan’s Charley’s Cabaret.

Fajardo took the championship trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights after winning the two-day Ace of Aces Championship Tournament held last Nov. 26 and 27 at the Kingfisher Golf Links and Coral Ocean Point Resort Club, respectively.

The SGA president took the yearly championship after besting his nearest pursuers and fellow monthly winners Ray Dela Cruz, Frances M. Sablan, Tony Deleon Guerrero, Edward Manibusan, and Jess Castro.

Castro and Manibusan, meanwhile, secured longest drive honors on Day 1 of the finale with Steve Balakrishna and Bob Magofna each taking the prize on Day 2.

Day 1 closest to the pin winners included Manny Blas, Steve Jang, Joe Demapan, and Frances M. Sablan with Balakrishna, Magofna, John Cruz, and Ray Dela Cruz taking the plum in Day 2.

In addition, SGA members performed what they call the Cupid Shuffle as a surprise for the Top 6 winners and their families, after which the Ten Most Wanted awards were called out.

Nick Sablan’s raw score of 69 that worked into a 64 net gave him both the Lowest Gross and Low Net awards to go with his league-best 17 birdies on the year.

John L. Babauta and Ray San Nicolas each sunk an eagle and shared the Most Eagles recognition.

Manibusan took the Most Greenies award with six on the year as well as most Longest Drives with five.

Tony Deleon Guerrero racked up the Most Wins with six and was acknowledged, along with Eun Jung Teack, for playing in all 14 events in 2011.

Other award winners included Highest Gross score winner Mac Chargualaf (116) and Highest Net score winner Frances Sablan (95).

Also during the banquet, Fajardo, vice president Larry Deleon Guerreo, treasurer Jose I. Sablan, secretary Frances M. Sablan, tournament director Joe Demapan, handicap coordinator Manibusan, and solicitation committee chair Edward Sablan were recognized for their leadership in 2011.

The group also thanked its board of directors, all 35 active members, as well as Kingfisher Golf Links, Laolao Bay Golf Resort, Marianas Country Club, Duty Free Shoppers Galleria, Pacific Islands Club, Fiesta Resort & Spa, and a long list of other supportive affiliates.

SGA’s officers for 2012 will be similar to this past year as many of its officers are returning to their posts.

Fajardo will remain at the head and has newly appointed Edward Sablan as treasurer, Nick Sablan as tournament director, and Balakrishna as solicitation committee chair.

SGA’s annual membership drive is slated during the January Ace tournament. The date and location are still being determined.

For more information, contact Larry Guerrero at 287-1052, Joe Sablan at 287-4563, or any other SGA member.