MVA touts golf tourism in the Marianas

The Marianas Visitors Authority continues its efforts to grow the niche market of golfing for The Marianas with its sponsorship of the Marianas International Cup 2017 that will be held on Oct. 28 and 29 and is hosted by Imperial Pacific International.

The two-day tournament will bring together 130 golfers from Japan, Korea, China, and the Marianas to the Kingfisher Golf Links and Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

“The MVA is excited to be a co-sponsor of the Marianas International Cup 2017, which has already proven successful in developing additional golf channels for The Marianas in our source markets,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “To augment the MVA’s ongoing work to attract golf groups and FIT golfers, our partnership with IPI in presenting this tournament allows us to reach a broader audience by giving our offices and travel agents in each country a special golfing event to promote our islands. In addition, it is a great opportunity for our local golfers to test their skills and show local hospitality to visitors who share their passion for the game.”

The MVA’s office in Japan co-sponsored a qualifying round in Tokyo in July with about 200 players joining the tournament. The Top 30 finishers were qualified to play. Players from Korea are being coordinated by Hana Tour, and IPI is also networking through several channels for players from China. The Top 20 players from The Marianas will be selected on the first day of the Club Lao tournament set for Oct. 14 and 15.

Marianas International Cup 2017 players will also be welcomed with a cocktail party at the Imperial Pacific Resort lobby, and an awards dinner will also be held. Players will compete in the Grand Champion (Double Peoria), Low Gross Men’s and Ladies (1st, 2nd and 3rd), and a Country Champion (Double Peoria, 1st, 2nd and 3rd). Country prizes will be presented to each team from China, Korea, Japan, and The Marianas. Cash prizes will also be awarded, and a $10,000 hole-in-one prize will also be offered

The golf courses of The Marianas offer a variety of challenges, all with stunning views of the ocean. Kingfisher Golf Links is designed by Graham Marsh; Lao Lao Bay Golf & Resort designed by Greg Norman; Coral Ocean Golf Resort is designed by Larry Nelson; and Rota Resort & Country Club is designed by Scott Fisette. The Marianas also has the Mariana Country Club in Marpi and Saipan Country Club in Chalan Laulau. (PR)