The participants of the 15th Wollak Golf Classic pose for a group shot before the start of the tournament at the Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday.
From left, “The Slice is Right” team members Rob Jordan, Bryan Anderson, Dale Roberts and Steve Beyer pose with the championship trophy alongside event organizer, Dan Wollak, at the conclusion of the 15th Wollak Golf Classic at the Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday.
THE team of Bryan Anderson, Dale Roberts, Rob Jordan and Steve Beyer ruled this year’s 15th Wollak Golf Classic after shooting a combined score of 74 at the Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday.
The tournament followed most of last year’s format. The front nine holes were for individual play with teams using the top three out of four scores for each hole while the back nine emphasized team scramble.
Although minor, a handful of rules were added this year such as extra mulligans (free shots) based on each player’s handicap. In addition, some of the high-handicap players get a designated amount of “bocce” shots where they can throw the ball rather than hit it with their club. The one significant rule change instituted for this year was a maximum three-putt on all greens due to the island’s drought conditions that have affected the shape of the golf course greens.
Among the winning foursome, it was a very special victory for Bryan Anderson. Not only was he the captain of the team and his first time competing in the WGC, but it has also been roughly 10 years since he and his family last visited Saipan.
Clinching second place was the team of Chris Jensen, Leith Poole, Ry Hayler and Seung Gin Lee with a total score of 75 1/3. The team of Tom Linden, John Favreaux, Matt Giovanni and Greg Borja secured third place with a total score of 76.
Sixteen teams and 64 golfers competed in this year’s tournament, which also featured the longest drive using a marshmallow competition that was topped by Yogi Singh whose winning drive of a marshmallow stretched 39 yards.
Wollak, who was the event organizer, expressed his gratitude to all of the sponsors that supported the WGC: Marpac, Saipan Skydive, Joeten Motors, Gold’s Gym and Spicy Thai Restaurant.
“Without their support, we would not have been able to raise so much money. I would also like to thank the staff at Kingfisher who are always so friendly and accommodating. It was a great day out on the golf course and I’m already looking forward to the next WGC!” Wollak said.
For the second year in a row, WGC has donated all proceeds to the Saipan Humane Society. The tournament raised a total of $1,364.
“This organization has rapidly grown beyond our wildest dreams. We are so grateful for support from the community and truly could not do it without this support. Beyond providing basic animal wellness and sick care, we are also focusing on big-picture animal welfare through spay neuter to control animal overpopulation.” said Lauren Cabrera, president of the Saipan Humane Society. They are currently planning spay/neuter clinics for August through November and are working hard to make those surgeries accessible to all in the community. “This donation will go a long way to ensuring that as many people can have access to spay/neuter as possible. Our organization is just beginning to plan those events so stay tuned for more information!” Cabrera added.
