By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Amigos Golf Club kicked off its 2026 season with a thrilling conclusion this past Sunday as Chris Leon Guerrero emerged as the January Ace of the Month winner, narrowly defeating runner-up Joe Sablan Jr. by a single stroke to secure the first major title of the year at the east course of LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.
Guerrero set the pace early during the qualifier held on Jan. 11, carding a gross 86. Sporting a handicap of 19, he led the competition with a net score of 67.
He maintained his composure during Sunday’s final round. Despite a challenging round, he shot a gross 92, which was reduced to a net of 73, for a total net score of 140.
His consistency over the 36-hole stretch proved decisive. Joe Sablan Jr. mounted a fierce comeback with a stellar net 72 in the final round, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Guerrero’s early lead, leaving Sablan in second place with a net total of 141.
While the hunt for the Ace title took center stage, the optional Play on the Par 3s offered its own highlights. Winners included Syl Ada on holes #4 and #6, Frank Sablan on hole #11, and Ed Manglona on hole #15. Each earned $150 per hole.
In just a few weeks, the February Ace of the Month tournament will take place, starting with the qualifier on Feb. 8, followed by the ace round on Feb. 22.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
