CFoGA adopts changes to tryouts

J.J. Atalig, seen here in a file photo, topped the first tryout for the CNMI National Golf Team for the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games held last Aug. 21 the Coral Ocean Resort. (Contributed photo)

The Commonwealth Federation of Golf Associations has adopted rule changes starting this Sunday for the second of five tryouts for the CNMI National Golf Team for the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games.

According to CFoGA social and media officer Geri Dela Cruz, except for the final tryout on Oct. 16 golf carts can now be used for the remaining tryouts.

“The federation determined that there was more than ample time for a selected athlete to condition for a walking competition. Therefore, carts can be utilized during tryouts,” she said.

As such the Oct. 16 tryout will be mandatory and will be a “walking” game for golfers hoping to make the CNMI National Golf Team.

Dela Cruz also clarified that caddies may use a golf cart on Oct. 16 with conditions, among them are carts should stay in the cart path at all times and golfers may not sit or lean on the golf carts. Golfers not vying for slots in the national team, however, can use golf carts during the Oct. 16 game.

CFoGA also announced that the selection of the CNMI National Golf will now be based on the two lowest scores plus the score in the final tryout on Oct. 16.

Tee boxes have also been adjusted in holes No. 2, 8, 15, and 18. “It was a recommendation from the Pacific Games tournament director to adjust tee boxes as the proposed golf course total yardage is too long,” said Dela Cruz.
This was seconded by CFoGA president Edward Manibusan.

“The blue tees may be too long. We are working on getting the correct overall yardage for the competition. We are estimating not less than 6,500 yards. We played the entire course in the first round at around 7,100 yards,” he said.
Showtime for this Sunday’s tryout is 7am and tee time is at 8am. Tryout fee is $30 and green is also $30.

CFoGA is looking at forming a national team made up of two men’s players, two junior men’s players, two women’s players, and two junior women’s players. Pacific Games Council eligibility rules dictate that only U.S. citizens who are CNMI residents can try out for the national team. Another eligibility requirement CFoGA included is anyone trying out should also be a member of any CFoGA-sanctioned club.

Aside from Dela Cruz and Manibusan, CFoGA’s officers include vice president J.J. Atalig, secretary/treasurer Lorraine Babauta, and golf tournament coordinators Marco Peter and Joey Dela Cruz. Peter incidentally is also the chairman of the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee.

For more information on the CFoGA tryouts for the Mini Games, call Dela Cruz at 783-4287 and Atalig at 285-1612.