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Team Rota hopes to shake off ‘jitters’ next time
Team Saipan and Team Rota players pose for a group photo during the awards banquet for the Inaugural 670 Friendship Golf Tournament last Saturday at the Rota Resort & Country Club. (Contributed Photo)
Team Rota captain Olen Jacob said they will have to do a better job in controlling their nerves if they ever hope to beat Team Saipan in the 2nd Annual 670 Friendship Golf Tournament that Saipan will be hosting next year.
Jacob admitted that he and his teammates were nervous coming into the tournament, considering it’s the very first time they played a match play tournament.
“We had to look it up and read about this new format. Nonetheless, we had a lot of fun and great experience playing against Saipan golfers. Probably next time we’re gonna prepare the course to our own advantage,” he said, adding that they’re already looking forward to bringing the perpetual trophy back home to Rota next year
Among the visiting golfers, the Team Rota skipper said he came away very impressed with J.J. Atalig’s son, Joshua.
“For somebody so young he’s already very impressive. In the individual play, he didn’t win but he gave his opponent a hard time,” he said.
Jacob also thanked all Saipan players for showing up and supporting the event and extended his gratitude to the Rota Municipal Council for sponsoring the trophies in the last-minute tournament. He particularly sent his kudos to municipal council chair Jim Atalig, vice chair Jonovan Lizama, and secretary William Taitano.
Team Saipan captain Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho said the inaugural 670 Friendship Golf Tournament, which they won 9.5-2.5, came out very successful despite it being put together in the 11th hour.
“The event was pretty much put together on a last-minute basis but the guys on Rota really made it happen and I really want to thank three individuals—Olen Jacob, Domingo Atalig, and Henry ‘Small’ Manglona. These guys were the backbone of the event. Team Saipan had a blast and we can’t wait to have these guys over next year where we can treat them the way we were greeted and treated. It was awesome and I can’t thank these guys enough for all their efforts,” he said.
