By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
FORMER Rep. Marco Peter shot a 2-under-par 70 to win the top spot in the inaugural Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan Golf Tournament, which drew 140 players at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort’s West Course on Saturday.
Peter and the three other Top 4 finishers — Zhi Yun Li, Jay Muna, and Peter Mendiola — went home $500 richer after receiving their awards at the banquet on Saturday evening.
The participants played under sunny and windy skies using a blackjack double Peoria format. Li and Muna each finished with a 71.4 net, while Mendiola posted a 72.2 for second, third, and fourth places, respectively.
Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the CNMI’s natural resources. Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan General Manager Clayton Darlington said the cause aligns with the resort’s belief that sustainability and hospitality go hand in hand. Crowne Plaza, he added, shares the responsibility of keeping the islands pristine for generations to come.
Darlington also noted that their first-ever golf tournament would not have been possible without the support of partners and sponsors. “On behalf of myself and the entire Crowne Plaza Resort team, I want to say thank you for helping us bring this event to life. Your commitment and generosity made today’s event happen,” he said.
“To all the players, your participation truly made today a memorable milestone for us. Thank you for being part of the first annual Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan Golf Tournament,” he added.
Darlington extended his gratitude to his team as well. “Your hard work, creativity, and dedication over the past few months have been nothing short of inspiring. You continue to raise the bar, and I am always immensely proud of you,” he said.
Crowne Plaza awarded $300 to golfers who placed fifth through eighth; $200 to those who finished ninth through 12th; and $100 to the players who placed 19th, 39th, 99th, and 119th.
Those who took home $300 were Joseph Sasamoto and Sun Ho Kong, who were tied at 72.4 for fifth and sixth; and Ben Duenas and Harry Nakamura, who tied at 72.6 for seventh and eighth.
The players who received $200 were:
• Frank Nakamura and Nick Sablan, tied at 72.6 for ninth and 10th;
• Jojo Esteves, who shot 72.8 for 11th; and
• Isaac Aguon, who shot 73 for 12th.
Those who received the $100 consolation prize were:
• Alfred Aldan, who shot 73.8 for 19th;
• Ben Jones Jr., who shot 75.6 for 39th;
• Kyung Ah Park, who shot 79.6 for 99th; and
• Jim Arenovski, who shot 81.8 for 119th.
Former Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz teed off with an accurate drive that landed 12 inches from the cup on Hole No. 14. Lydia Tan emerged as the winner among the seven players whose shots landed inside the accurate circle on Hole No. 9. The other players were Paul Kaipat, Freddy Salavaria, Peter Mendiola, Betty Bai, and Sixtus Aquino.
Closest-to-the-pin winners were: Gus Palacios on Hole No. 3; Ned Norita on Hole No. 7; John Terlaje on Hole No. 13; and Luther Taylor on Hole No. 17.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
