STUSSY Shiroma, 18, powered his way to the Championship Flight title at the 20th Annual NMC Foundation Golf Open, shooting a gross total of 147 over the weekend at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.
Shiroma’s golfing career started five years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic. “It was the only thing I could do,” he said, referring to golf.
In 2022, Shiroma won the A Flight of the NMC Golf Open, earning a promotion to the Championship Flight, where he has now claimed victory.
On day one, Saturday, Shiroma closed the front nine of the west course with a gross of 36 while shooting a gross of 37 on the back nine for a gross total of 73.
On day two, Sunday, he nearly mirrored his initial performance by shooting a gross of 37 throughout the front and back nines for a gross total of 74.
With a two-day gross score of 147, Shiroma clinched the Championship Flight title by two strokes.
“It [the course] was good — tough conditions but I managed to fight and win it,” Shiroma said. When asked about the easiest hole, he replied, “There were no easy holes.” However, he did manage an eagle on hole 5 of the west course, a par-5.
Shiroma said the competition was good and praised one of Saipan’s elite golfers, Zhi Li, who settled for second place with a gross total of 149. “He gave me a good run for my money,” Shiroma said.
Although Shiroma is from Guam, home to many skilled golfers, he believes the competition on Saipan is tougher.
He is hoping to defend his title next year.
Placing third place in the Championship Flight is Domnique Kieffer with a gross total of 154.
In the A Flight, Stephen Gatewood finished first with a gross total of 154 followed by Kiwan “Michael” Nam with a gross total of 163, and Peng Cheng “PC” Wu with a gross total of 164.
In the B Flight, Keith Kintol won the title with a gross total of 166 followed by Gerald Guerrero with a gross total of 167, and Arvin Ogo with a gross total of 167.
In the C Flight, Jung Ho Lee, who works for Ambyth Shipping and Seafix Inc., claimed the title with a gross total of 163 followed by Chang Fan Cao with a gross total of 168 and Kyle Hofschneider with a gross total of 168.
The rest of the results will be featured in the next issue of Variety.
From left, Northern Marianas College Regent Michelle Lin Sablan, Tim Shiroma, his son Stussy Shiroma, Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association President Mary Rhodes, and NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Stephen Gatewood, 2nd left, poses with the A Flight trophy of the 20th Annual NMC Foundation Golf Open at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Keith Kintol, 2nd left, poses with the B Flight trophy of the 20th Annual NMC Foundation Golf Open at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Jung Ho Lee, 2nd left, poses with the C Flight trophy of the 20th Annual NMC Foundation Golf Open at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
