WITH a score of 70.67, Team Fore Loko claimed the 16th Wollak Golf Classic perpetual trophy at the Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday.
The Fore Loko players are Dan Wollak, Ben Deleon Guerrero, John Favreaux, and Steve Beyer.
What sets the Wollak Golf Classic apart from other tournaments is its unique format. This year’s field included golfers who shoot in the 70s and others in the 120s, with rules designed to ensure that every player could contribute meaningfully to their team.
The tee box each golfer hits from was based on their handicap while golfers got mulligans (free extra shots) based on their handicap.
Golfers sporting high handicaps got to use an allotted amount of bocce shots. Instead of hitting the ball with their club, they were allowed to throw the ball instead — ideal for situations like being stuck in a sand trap.
The front nine featured individual play, with the team’s three best scores counting on each hole while the worst score was dropped. The back nine was played in a scramble format, with mulligans allowed only during the individual play on the front nine.
Playing by those rules, Fore Loko clinched this year’s tournament with a score of 70.67.
Sharing second place were Not a Whole Set — Chris Nelson, Tyler Willsey, Dale Roberts, and Steve McKagan — and Pink Pony Club, which consisted of Bryan Anderson, Rob Jordan, Pete Loken, and Robbie Greene. Both teams finished the tournament with a score of 72.67.
This year’s tournament featured 52 golfers.
“This is a bit lower than previous years. A lot of regulars in the tournament were off island or battling injuries but it was still a great turnout,” said Dan Wollak. “We also had multiple volunteers selling hotdogs and coordinating our marshmallow driving competition. Our numbers may have been a bit lower, but the energy of the tournament was as high as ever. Throughout the round you could hear the thunder of teams screaming in jubilation and other times in agony,” he added.
This year’s tournament raised $1,045 for the Saipan Humane Society.
“The Humane Society has been so vital for the Saipan community in keeping our island pets healthy and happy,” Wollack said. “They are constantly providing much needed medication for our pets, bringing in veterinarians for life-saving surgeries and spay and neuter procedures.”
He added, “My wife and I consistently rely on the Saipan Humane Society for our dog BD Joe and seeing all the hard work they put in to take care of our loved pets makes them an easy decision to support.”
Guadalupe Attao, executive director of the Saipan Humane Society, said: “On behalf of the Saipan Humane Society, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants of the Wollak Golf Classic! We are especially grateful to Dan Wollak for once again selecting us as the beneficiary of this incredible event, for the third year in a row.”
This year alone, she said the Saipan Humane Society hosted three visiting veterinary teams, completed 166 successful spay and neuter surgeries, performed 20 special surgeries, administered over 900 vaccinations, and provided care to more than 2,500 animals.
“The work we do isn’t just for the animals, it’s for the people who love them and for our future generations. Together, we are building a safer, healthier environment for all living beings,” Attao said.
Wollak expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors. “I would also like to thank all of our sponsors,” he said. “Without their support the tournament would not have been such a success, and we would not be able to raise all this money. First, I would like to thank Marpac Distributors…. They have been so generous with their donations. They go over the top in making sure the golfers are hydrated on the course and lubricated during the awards ceremony. We truly appreciate their generosity. We also want to give big shoutouts and appreciation to Joeten Motors, Latte Built, Precinct 3 Rep. Elias Rangamar, Dan Shead, John Jones, and Bryan Anderson. Lastly, we want to thank the amazing staff at Kingfisher. They are so helpful and friendly and go above and beyond to help the tournament run smoothly. The course is currently in beautiful shape. Get your family and friends out to Kingfisher for a round of golf!”
Fore Loko’s Dan Wollak, Ben Deleon Guerrero, John Favreaux, and Steve Beyer pose with the perpetual championship trophy of the Wollak Golf Classic at the Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday.
Contributed photo
Participating teams pose for a group photo before the start of the 16th Wollak Golf Classic at the Kingfisher Golf Links on Sunday.
Contributed photo
