The national golf team consists of Jess I. Wabol, Ralph N. Yumul, Ben Duenas, Carl Hocog and Jordon Lee I. Kosam.
Kosam, the president of Refaluwasch Golf Association said the selection process was based on lowest gross scored during the two-day open tryouts last month.
During the RGA board meeting last week, the board unanimously voted him to be the number five pick and will also serve as the team coach, as the group finalized the draft picks for the Pacific Mini Games that will be held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
The CNMI have registered to be one of the nine countries participating in the men’s golf category. The other countries are American Samoa, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti, Wallis & Futuna and the Solomons.
“I am very confident with our team now especially having Jess Wabol. With his extensive background in these games, Jess brings a lot of mental and course management to the table especially in dealing with these larger events,” Kosam said.
Ralph, Ben and Carl, he added also bring a lot as well.
Kosam said he is a firm believer in team work and always brings issues like this to the table for his colleagues’ opinions.
Currently, the national golf team is doing fundraisers for their travel cost. One of which is mini golf tournament scheduled for Aug. 16. They have also set for Sept. 5 the main golf tournament fundraiser.
Kosam expressed gratitude to the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association for its support. NMASA, he said will subsidize a portion of the team’s travel cost.
“Overall, as part of the national team we are honored and excited to bring back CNMI Golf participation to the Pacific Mini Games,” Kosam said.
He added, “I am honored and very thankful to be even part of the CNMI national team tryouts alone, double that now with the opportunity to represent The CNMI state during the games, a priceless opportunity that comes and go.”
Kosam also thanked the RGA board who had pioneered the association and one way or another contributed to prestigious Pacific games in the past. They are Tony Rogolofoi, Jess Wabol, Sonny Flores, Manny Mangarero, Tars Olopai, Thomas Tebuteb and John Rebuenog.
