NMI to welcome international golfers

CNMI Federation of Golf Associations president David Largent, second left, joins IT&E officials led by IT&E CNMI executive director Rob C. Harrell, fourth left, for a group photo as the telecommunications company throws its support to the Marianas International Cup 2017. (Jon Perez)

The CNMI will be rolling out the red carpet for international golf teams from China, Japan, and Korea next month for the inaugural Marianas International Cup 2017 that will be held for two days in separate venues on Saipan.

Teams are expected to arrive on Oct. 27 and will be treated to a welcome cocktail party at the lobby of the Imperial Pacific Resort Hotel-Saipan.

Action begins the following day where local golfers and their international counterparts tee off at 8am at the Graham Marsh-designed Kingfisher Golf Links. Day Two, Oct. 29, will have participants moving to the east course of the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

Kingfisher and Laolao east are among the challenging golf courses on the island, showcasing stunning views of the oceans while having signature holes that could pose a challenge even to the seasoned par-busters.

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion, fifth left, presents a sponsor check to CNMI Federation of Golf Associations president David Largent, sixth left, yesterday at the MVA office in support of the Marianas International Cup. (Contributed Photo)

CNMI Federation of Golf Associations president David Largent is inviting interested golfers from Guam to join the two-day tournament but they must first earn their tickets by joining the 2017 Annual Club Lao Charity Golf Tournament on Oct. 14 at Laolao Bay golf.

“Guam golfers must first join the Club Lao, which is like a qualifying tournament for the Marianas International Cup, in order for them to earn a spot. Club Lao is two weeks before the Cup,” said Largent.

CNMI golfers could also qualify for the Marianas International Cup by also joining the Club Lao.

The Marianas International Cup will have low gross and double Peoria formats. There will be Top 3 men’s and women’s winners after the two-day combined low gross scores, while one champion will be named in the double Peoria.

The Top 3 for each country—China, Japan, and Korea—will also be recognized after the combined scores for two days in the double Peoria format. Cash prizes will also be given away to the lucky winners.

The grand champion in the double Peoria will win a free four-night stay at one of Imperial Pacific Resort Hotel-Saipan’s Grand Ocean Suites, including a round-trip airfare for two to Saipan, while winners from each country will get a three-night stay in a Deluxe room. The hotel will open in late 2018.

Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC is the tournament host with IT&E, the Marianas Visitors Authority, Docomo Pacific, TanHoldings, Triple J, I Love Saipan, Hana Tour, Golf007.com, DFS, and Hyatt Regency-Saipan as partners.