By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
IN a major milestone for the island’s post-typhoon recovery, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort will officially reopen its fairways on Saturday, June 6, becoming the first golf course on Saipan to welcome players back since Super Typhoon Sinlaku swept through the CNMI.
The resort is launching limited golf operations ahead of its original schedule, aimed at providing the local community with a recreational outlet and signaling a gradual recovery in the tourism sector.
“June 6 isn’t the finish line; it’s the first tee shot,” said LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort Operations Manager Franco Santos in an interview with Variety.
“Our staff has been out here day in and day out clearing debris, fixing what we can, and protecting jobs. We know the course isn’t 100% yet, and neither is our island, but opening these 18 holes gives our community a place to breathe again and gives visitors a reason to come back. We will rise strong together, one tee time at a time.”
While the resort features 36 holes, typhoon damage means operations will initially be limited to a hybrid 18-hole setup. Golfers will play the back nine of both the West Course (holes 10–18) and the East Course (holes 10–18).
The driving range, which reopened over a month ago, remains open Fridays through the weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Course hours are set from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the first tee time at 8 a.m. and the last standard tee time at 1:30 p.m. The course is fully booked for opening weekend, with capacity set at 120 players per day. Management said next week will offer the best opportunity for new reservations.
Returning players will follow a new one-way staging and traffic system near the main lobby designed to improve safety and reduce congestion.
Golfers will use a designated bag-drop lane at the lobby, drop off equipment, and park in the main lot. Check-in will be at a side entrance near the front desk known as the “Coladium,” where players may also purchase balls, drinks, and apparel. After their round, golfers will follow a designated cart-return lane and proceed to their vehicles.
Due to ongoing clubhouse repairs, all primary restrooms inside the clubhouse and on the course remain closed. Operational restrooms are available near the Coladium. A concession stand will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering drinks and light food items.
The typhoon severely impacted the resort’s golf cart fleet, flooding the cart barn and damaging charging stations. However, 80 percent of the fleet is now back online.
To manage limited inventory, the resort has implemented a strict pairing policy. Only twosomes and foursomes will be accepted. Threesomes are allowed but subject to an additional $10 cart fee. Singles and groups of five will not be accommodated.
Standard rates remain unchanged at $45 on weekdays and $65 on weekends.
Starting next week, LaoLao Bay will introduce Friday-only Twilight Golf. The nine-hole walking format will run from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at a rate of $25 per person. All carts must be returned by 5:30 p.m. to allow charging and staging for the following day.
Tournament play will resume at a later date, as hosting events is currently not feasible under the 18-hole limitation.
The resort aims to restore all 36 holes by July, which would allow competitive tournaments to resume later in the year.
Tee times can be booked online via the LaoLao Bay website, the Chronogolf app, or by calling (670) 236-8888.
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.
