Cataluna, a three handicapper and known in the local golf circuit for distance driving despite his 5’4” frame, delivered the nerve-wrecking 10-foot putt to the hole in exciting fashion to avoid the playoff after Harry Nakamura made his tap-in birdie on the same hole.
Nakamura, who is also a solid three handicapper and was the longest driver in the event, reaching the 394 yards Par 4 Hole 9 green in one, trailed by one stroke to finish second, shooting 3-under par 69. Two strokes back behind the winner was Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho, who came in third with 2-under par 70.
Camacho, a one handicapper coming to the event, was atop the leaderboard going into the back nine and the Pacific Games veteran seemed to dominate the competition. But the uncharacteristic bogeys on hole 11, 12 and 17 blew out his campaign.
Cataluna and Nakamura, who shot even par 36 and 1-over 37on the front nine respectively, took advantage of Camacho’s miscues, and went wire to wire with both finishing the back nine at 1-under par 35.
For another sterling performance, Cataluna won a trophy, $200 cash, and an entry ticket to any tournament of his choice in 2021.
When asked about his winning the championship, he said: “It was raining, and wind was strong. It was not an ideal condition. And I guess I am just lucky.”
Other notable RGA qualifiers who played in the championship were Manny Mangarero, Tony Satur, Tony Rogolofoi, Tom Tebuteb, Imma Liltulumar and Ben Pelisamen.
