Yuko Togawa winds up for the swing during the NMC Foundation’s 18th Annual Golf Open at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort last year.
Ricky Sablan, Frank Sablan, Ed Manglona, and Joe Sablan Jr. pose for a photo during the NMC Foundation’s 18th Annual Golf Open at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort last year.
THE NMC Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the 19th Annual Golf Open, will be held on March 23 and 24 at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort’s east and west courses.
On Thursday, officials of the foundation and Northern Marianas College led by its president, Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D., conducted a media briefing.
“This is an exciting time of the year for the college,” Deleon Guerrero said. “We are in growth mode. We’re launching new programs and initiatives, but more importantly, we’re launching new facilities. But as we grow, we see the need for additional support, particularly with our buildings. We must make sure these buildings are state-of-the-art as, ultimately, these are for our students and the community. So, we truly appreciate the hard work of the NMC Foundation.”
Deleon Guerrero said the foundation helps raise funds for NMC.
Under the leadership of Ben Babauta, the president of the foundation and chairman of the golf committee, “they have done a fantastic job to ensure that this golf tournament is one of the best golf tournaments ever. NMC has established a reputation for hosting one of the best golf tournaments,” Deleon Guerrero said.
The event is considered as the largest and most exciting golf tournament in the CNMI, if not Micronesia. This year, over a dozen golfers from Guam, Korea, Tinian and Rota are expected to compete for the title during a two-day medal play with six flights: Men’s Championship, A, B, C, Senior and Ladies.
The prizes for first, second and third placers are $800, $500 and $300.
In addition, thousands of dollars in amazing hole-in-one prizes are at stake such as a brand new 2024 Lexus RX350 from Atkins Kroll Saipan, a brand new 2023 Honda Civic Type R from Joeten Motors, $10,000 shopping spree at Top Shelf Wine & Spirits, $10,000 from Ambyth Shipping and Seafix Inc., and $5,000 from Pacifica Insurance,
This year’s tournament fee is $250, and includes two days of exciting golf, a banquet, beverages for both days, amazing ditty bags, and other items.
“So far, we have a little over 150 players and are looking forward to filling the remaining slots in the next couple of weeks. We encourage local golfers to register. It is limited. We have over $150,000 in possible prizes,” Ben Babauta said.
The previous year’s champions are expected to compete, but they must move up one level to participate.
Babauta said the NMC Golf Open aims to raise funds to build a beautiful, modern, innovative campus that will be the envy of the Pacific. The new campus will house state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, and labs that support learning, research and workforce development.
Around 83 companies have already shown their support for NMC’s goal. “On behalf of NMC and the NMC Foundation, we would like to thank all those that have donated and sponsored and of course, the players that have already registered. Also, without the volunteers, it’s a lot of work,” Babauta said.
The last day to register is Friday, March 22, at 12 noon.
Individuals who would like to help the college with its rebuilding efforts can donate cash or in-kind contributions.
For more information, visit www.marianas.edu/golf/, contact Helen Camacho at helen.camacho@marianas.edu/ or Raynard Travilla at raynard.travilla@marianas.edu/.
