JJ Atalig and Yuko Togawa topped their respective divisions in the inaugural Ronald McDonald House of Charities Golf Tournament held Saturday at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.
Over 130 golfers participated in the fundraising event.
In the Championship Flight division, Atalig reigned supreme, shooting 1-over par with a net score of 73.
Atalig is a member of the CNMI national golf team that will represent the Commonwealth in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games.
On hole #1 at LaoLao he connected the tee shot straight down the middle and followed up with his second shot which landed on the green, only three feet away from the pin. He then tapped the ball for a birdie.
“That set the pace for me playing in a tough condition today with a lot of wind,” Atalig said in an interview with Variety.
He continued to deliver on the back nine as he closed with two birdies. He shot 1-over par with a gross of 36 on the front and notched an even 36 on the back for a net score of 73, good enough for first place.
After receiving the championship trophy and the $500 first prize, Atalig said, “It’s great that I played in this tournament — winning an inaugural tournament means a lot to me.”
Taking second place was Sun Ho Kang who shot 37 on the front and 38 on the back for a net score of 75 to win $300.
Finishing third with a net score of 76 was Feng Jin who took home $200.
Ladies Flight
Yuko Togawa topped the Ladies Flight with a net score of 79. The experienced golfer was pleased with her performance that was highlighted with a birdie on hole #7.
She said it was her very first time to hit the green from the back tee which stretches about 200 yards
She shot a gross of 41 on the front nine and a gross of 38 on the back.
“The weather was fine so the conditions were very good for me. I was very lucky and it was precious to win the first ever McDonalds tournament. I got it, I won it!”
When asked what she will do with her $500 prize, she answered, “Christmas gifts for the family!”
In second place was Sherlyn Jones who received $300. She shot a gross of 41 on the front and 40 on the back for a net score of 81.
Ma Ae Jeon received the third prize of $200 for notching a net score of 89.
‘A’ Flight
Victor Salas stole the show in the “A” Flight division by one stroke. He closed the front nine with a gross of 39 and followed through with a gross of 40 on the back for a net score of 79 to claim the $500 prize.
Taking second place and $300 was Ned Norita who shot a gross of 39 on the front and 42 on the back for a net score of 81.
John Reyes, who took third place with a net score of 82, received $200.
A successful turnout
Despite the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases on island, the Ronald McDonald House of Charities Golf Tournament still had a successful turnout, McDonald’s Saipan & Guam vice president Joe Ayuyu Jr. said.
“We are very happy with the support that the community has given to the tournament and to a great cause like the Ronald McDonald House of Charities,” he added.
Ronald McDonald aims to “provide a restful, comfortable place where kids and their families find support as they receive treatment at nearby hospitals.”
“McDonald’s is always into giving back to the community, and Ronald McDonald helps a lot of kids. Being able to do this is really special. We’re just so happy to be able to support such a great organization and we’re happy that the community of Saipan came together to support such a great cause,” Ayuyu said.
He also wants to recognize and thank the players, volunteers and sponsors. “We look forward to seeing everyone again next year, and as always, we hope it’ll be bigger, better and more successful.”
JJ Atalig tees off next to a Hole-in-One prize, a brand new Lexus from Atkins Kroll, on Hole No. 13 at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort Saturday.
From left, McDonald’s Saipan & Guam co-owner Marcia Ayuyu, Sherlyn Jones, Yuko Togawa, Ma Ea Jeon and McDonald’s Saipan and Guam president and co-owner Joe Ayuyu Sr. pose for a photo following the inaugural Ronald McDonald House of Charities Golf Tournament Saturday at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.
