By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE Amigos Golf Club on Sunday crowned Frank Sablan as its February Ace of the Month after he navigated the challenging east course at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort to secure a narrow two-stroke victory with a two-day net total of 143.
The win did not come easy. Sablan found himself locked in a tight battle with newcomer Peter Mendiola, who delivered a steady and consistent performance throughout the tournament. But Sablan’s veteran poise proved decisive, as he held off Mendiola by two strokes to claim the top spot on the leaderboard.
In the qualifier round on Feb. 8, Sablan shot a gross 85. With a handicap of 12, he finished with a net 73 to move into contention.
He then solidified his position during last Sunday’s ace round, improving to a gross 82 for a net 70. His combined two-day net score of 143 secured the February title.
Mendiola also impressed, carding a net 77 in the qualifier before surging with a net 68 in the ace round to finish with a two-day net total of 145.
While Sablan captured the overall crown, four golfers excelled in the par-3 Closest to the Pin contests. Fred Salavaria won on hole No. 4, Tony Satur on No. 6, Sixtus Aquino on No. 11, and Sablan on No. 15. Each received $120.
The Amigos Golf Club’s March Ace of the Month tournament begins March 8 with its qualifier round on the east course (8:30 a.m. start), followed by the ace round March 15 on the west course.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
