Joey Dela Cruz and JJ Atalig pose for a photo with Saipan Chamber of Commerce officials during the awards ceremony of the 15th Annual SCC Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort on Saturday.
WITH a score of 61 (11-under par), JJ Atalig and Joey Dela Cruz topped the low gross category of the 15th Annual Saipan Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Golf Tournament at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort on Saturday.
The duo’s best hole was #14 where they drained a birdie. Atalig said it was a tough putt with the green going from a left to right break.
“Our line had two different grasses, so speed was a big factor,” Atalig said.
Their worst hole was #16 for which they had to cover 130 yards. After their second shot into a Par 5, they still could not hit the ball onto the green.
Despite the challenges, Atalig and Dela Cruz still overcame the odds and finished first.
“We knew that there’s a big chance to win the tournament, based on history with all the victories we had at previous tournaments,” Atalig said. “Our team had dominated this tournament, winning 12 times in the last 16 years,” he added.
“It feels great to be back in the winner’s circle and team JJ/Joey Dynasty continues to dominate,” he said.
For Atalig, playing as a team makes it a lot easier because your partner can pick up after your mistake. Playing solo makes it more difficult if you don’t put a lot of work in the game, he added.
“First, we would like to thank God for keeping us healthy and mentally prepared to overcome the challenges during the tournament. Second, we want to thank our wives for allowing us to play and enjoy the game of golf. Third, we want to recognize our sponsor G4S Solution, CNMI Director Moises Pangelinan and Guam/CNMI General Manager Teresa Sakazaki,” Atalig said.
In second place were Dung Tenorio and Brian Camacho, going 8-under par with a gross of 64 while Dominic Kiefer and Zhimin Jin claimed third place after a score card playoff, going 7-under par with a gross of 65.
In the Double Peoria format, three teams shared a net score of 73. Anthony Tomokane and Alvin Salas claimed the top spot followed by Eric Lisua and Ben Pelisamen in second, and Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho and Xerxes Camacho in third.
