By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

BOB Magofna will get a second crack at the SGA Ace of the Aces title after qualifying for the yearend event last Sunday.
Magofna, who gained entry to the 2006 Ace of the Aces tournament after claiming the SGA November Ace last year, earned a return trip to the December affair when he ruled the Saipan Golfers Association March Ace tournament.
All 12 SGA monthly winners are given slots to the Ace of the Aces tournament. The 2006 Ace of the Aces champion was former Superior Court presiding judge Ed Manibusan.
The March Ace was played on the west course of the LaoLao Bay Golf Resort and except for the haze caused by the gas and steam fumes emitted by the Anatahan volcano, 23 par busters enjoyed playing in good weather.
Magofna emerged with the lowest net score of the day shooting a 69. The 17-handicapper nailed a 42 and 44 on the front and back nines, respectively, for a gross 87.
Actually, Magofna tied Art Guerrero, a 19-handicapper and fired a 46 on the front and 42 on the back.
To break the tie, organizers went to the scorecards on hole No. 8 .Again, Magofna and Guerrero tied both hitting a bogey on No. 8. The next tiebreak hole was No. 15 and for the third time, they tied, as they both had a bogey. Organizers went to the No. 2 hole and finally, Magofna walked away with the March plum, as he hit a par. Guerrero had a double bogey on No. 2 and settled for second place.
There was also a triple tie for third place with Ned Norita beating John L. Babauta and Larry Guerrero.
The trio had a net 70, but the 12-handicapper Norita, who shot a 40 and 42 on the front and back nines, respectively, prevailed in the tiebreak on hole No. 8 making a birdie. Babauta and Larry Guerrero both had a par on No. 8.
The former DCCA secretary claimed fourth place after beating Lary Guerrero on the second playoff hole on No. 15. Babauta made a birdie on No. 15, while Larry Guerrero had a bogey.
Four players had closest to the pin shots. They were Steve Balakrishna on No. 3, Larry Guerrero on No. 7, Rick Kautz on No. 13 and John “Nunni” Cruz on No. 17.
Kautz also had one longest drive on the No.2 hole. The other longest drive winner was Mel Sablan on No. 14.
Sunday’s Most Improved Golfer was John Takai, who had a net 86.
Meanwhile, SGA hosted the Guam Power Golf Association, which held its February Ace tournament at Kingfisher Golf Links and LaoLao west on Feb. 10 and 11, respectively.
Ten GPGA members competed in the two-day tournament with John Anthony Muna placing first. Henry Leon Guerrero was the runnerup, while Phil Toves finished third.
Other GPGA players who tamed the Saipan golf courses were Peter Eclevia, Larry Rhoden, Jose Flores, secretary-treasurer Lucy Tenorio, Ed Perez, vice president Greg Manglona and Ed Manglona.
Jeff Quitugua is the president of the golf club, but he failed to play in the tournament.