JOSHUA “Wawa” Atalig started the Marianas Golf Association’s new season on a high note by topping the May Ace of the Month tournament on May 1 at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.
Forty-five members and one guest participated in the competition.
The 14-year-old Atalig shot two-above par on the front nine for a gross of 38, but he struggled on the back nine with a gross of 45 for a total gross score of 83. Sporting a 26 handicap, however, he earned a net score of 57 which made him the first ace of MGA’s 2021-2022 season.
In the battle for second place, James Benavente, Dung Tenorio and Roderick Zandueta tied for the second-lowest net score of 67.
But Benavente edged Tenorio and Zandueta in the scorecard playoff to bag second place with Tenorio securing third.
For the Closest to the Pin side event, Mel Sablan owned hole #4; Calvin Yamagishi ruled hole #6, Jay Muna clinched hole #11; and Justin Lowe was supreme at hole #15. Each of these winners won $215.
MGA would like to recognize and welcome its new members: Bart Jackson, Darion Jones, Brian Camacho, Nate Camacho, Bill Camacho, Jay Muna, Zack Sasamoto, Justin Lowe, TJ Dela Cruz, Martin Naputi and Cameron Nicholas.
MGA also acknowledged the female players who joined the May Ace tourney: MGA members Erlinda Naputi and Geri Dela Cruz as well as guest player Esther Muna.
MGA’s current golf season runs from May 2021 through April 2022. The group holds its monthly aces at each of the island’s four golf courses.
Interested golfers are welcome to join MGA. All they need to do is reach out to a current MGA member for more details. A new member pays an annual fee of $40 while a returning member pays $30.
Joshua “Wawa” Atalig connects the tee-off.
Contributed photo
The Marianas Golf Association members pose for a photo to mark the start of their 2021-2022 season on May 1, 2021 at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, East Course.
Contributed photo
