By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Saipan Golf Association season continues to heat up as Frances M. Sablan captured the February Ace of the Month title after winning a scorecard playoff against Joe I. Sablan. Both golfers finished with a net score of 69 during play held at Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday, Feb. 15.
Faced with the challenging terrain and unpredictable winds of the Kingfisher Golf Links course, Frances Sablan remained focused, closing out the front nine with a gross of 50.
Her tactical approach on the back nine proved to be the difference-maker. Despite the difficulty of the course, her steady play allowed her to card a 51 for a combined gross of 101. Aided by a 32 handicap, it was enough to hold off a crowded leaderboard with a net score of 69.
Frances Sablan did not have it easy, however, as several veteran golfers were within striking distance.
Joe I. Sablan, in particular, gave Frances a run for her money as he shadowed closely behind, shooting a 45 on the front nine and 49 on the back nine for a gross total of 94. However, with a handicap of 25, he also finished with a net score of 69, forcing a tiebreaker.
Using the scorecard playoff method to break the tie, it was Frances Sablan who prevailed to claim the SGA February Ace of the Month title.
In third place was Alex Tudela, who shot rounds of 42 and 43 for a gross total of 85. With a handicap of 14, he finished with a net score of 71.
The tournament also recognized excellence in the optional play categories, where the field showcased both power and accuracy.
In the Closest to the Pin contests, Alex Tudela topped Hole 6, while Ton Tomokane won Holes 8 and 12, and Joe Cepeda claimed Hole 15.
For Longest Drive, David Apatang Jr. won on Hole 2, while Freddie Cataluna took the honors on Hole 13.
SGA reminds members that the association’s $25 annual membership fee is due and urges those who have not yet done so to submit their payment.
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.
