By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

NED Norita beat 20 other Saipan Golfers Association members to capture the SGA February Ace title last Sunday at the Kingfisher Golf Links.
The 14-handicapper Norita shot a 39 and 38 on the front and back nines, respectively, for a net 63. His consistent game last weekend was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 No. 13.
Norita was five strokes ahead of second place John “Nunni” Cruz, who drilled a 48 on the front and a 41 on the back for a gross 90 and a net 68. Cruz had one closest to the pin shot on the par-3 No.6.
Other closest to the pin winners were Steve Balakrishna on No. 8, January Ace Ray San Nicolas on No. 12 and JD Demapan on the par-3 No. 15.
There was a deadlock for third place with SGA newcomer Manny Alvarez beating Mariano Fajardo in the tiebreak. Both scored a net 69, but Alvarez had a 39 and 38 on the front and back nines, respectively, while Fajardo nailed a 46 on the front and a 49 on the back.
With Norita winning the February Ace plum, he now qualifies for SGA’s Ace of the Aces tournament in December.
The year-end event will feature the 12 monthly winners.
Ed Manibusan ruled last year’s Ace of the Aces, which was played in two rounds at the Kingfisher Golf Links and at the LaoLao Bay Golf Resort.
Manibusan defeated Matias Chargualaf (February), Rick Kautz (March), Cruz (April), Ray Salas (May), Ed Sablan (June), Juan L. Babauta (July), Frances Sablan (August), Rene Batallones (September), San Nicolas (October), Bob Magofna (November) and Tony Guerrero (December).