Jess I. Wabol, one of the officers of RGA and ace golfer of CNMI, told Variety that RGA was able to draw major sponsors for the event and at every Hole in the green of MCC.
Wabol said private companies on islands have expressed their interest to be part of the annual golf tournament, which used to be called “Turkey Shoot” in past years.
This will be RGA’s first year to use the new name of the golf tournament, Wabol added, saying they are very excited to witness the unfolding of the event as several sponsors have already pledged their support for the matches.
Portions of the proceeds of the golf tournament, Wabol mentioned, will go to the Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School’s upgrading of facilities.
Wabol pointed out that last year RGA donated a certain percentage of the funds raised by the golf tournament to Saipan Southern High School.
In 2006, RGA donated some money they were able to generate from the matches to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Wabol said RGA is thinking in the line of getting in touch again with some of the previous firms that helped the golf tournament a success.
“RGA wish to thank Saipan Stevedore Company, Inc., Saipan Shipping Company, Coco Restaurant, Pacific Telecommunications Inc., Yuna Golf Range, and Kautz Class Company,” he stated.
The ace golfer also said prominent personalities on island have sponsored certain Holes in the green.
These people include Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, Rep. Edward T. Salas, Rep. Raymond D. Palacios, Ben Jones & family, Kae Poong, Juan C. Babauta & family.
Other private companies have signed up for Hole sponsorships: Delta Management Corp., Marianas Health Services, PL’s Water Company, RadioCom, and a few other businesses.
The RGA Memorial Classic Golf Tournament will have two formats – Low Gross (men & women) and Low Net Double Peoria.
The following prizes will be given away for the Low Gross format: $300 (1st place); $200 (2nd place); and $100 (3rd place).
For Low Net Double Peoria, the prizes are $500 (1st place); $300 (2nd place); and $200 (3rd place).
There also will be special awards for the closest to the pin in Hole #6, #8, and #12, and a hole-in-one in Hole #16.
Awarding of prizes will be held in banquet after the matches.
Entry fee for the tournament is pegged at $100.
RGA reminds that all golfers on CNMI are welcome to join the tournament, regardless of their affiliation in other golf associations.
Interested individuals may contact Wabol at 233-3673, or they may call GTC principal, Charlotte Camacho, at 664-3400.
