Saipan Tribune

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Twin wins for Kim in XGA tournaments

Ki Soo Kim notched X-clusive Golfer's Association's 2012 Ace of Aces title after winning the two-day tournament held at Coral Ocean Point Resort.

Kim netted a 73 during the first round of the season-finale event last Jan. 26 and finished the second round on Jan. 27 with a better score of 69 for a two-day total of 142 and a one-stroke win over runner-up Joey Dela Cruz (71/72). Mike Sablan (73/70) also finished with a two-round net 143, but was bumped into the third spot after a secret-hole tiebreaker.

Kim's final round score also held up against last Sunday's 20-player field, giving him the 2013 January Ace crown. He posted a 39 on the front nine and a 38 on the back side in the final round for a gross 77.

Notably, Dela Cruz and Sablan finished both events in second and third place, respectively.

Dela Cruz started out with a 40 and tallied a 42 after the turn for an 82 raw that was trimmed down to a 72 net. Sablan penciled in a 45 after the front nine and caught fire down the homestretch, finishing the last nine holes with a 39 for a gross 84 that also factored into a 72 net. However, Dela Cruz received the nod for maintaining a lower handicap.

Besides the Top 3 finishers, the 2013 season opener also recognized closest to the pin side winners. The list includes Tony Benavente (hole No. 3) Albert Palacios (No. 7), Jay Cabrera (No. 12) and Dela Cruz (No. 14).

Meanwhile, XGA is still accepting new members and has reduced its annual membership fee for newcomers from $50 to $30. Renewal for returning members is $25. XGA is currently made up of about 30 members, and contrary to its name, the club is open to the public. Club polo shirts are also available for only $25.

On the day of events, players are also required to foot the greens fee along with an added modest charge that goes toward the awards banquet, prize money, and incentives for the club.

For more information, contact XGA secretary J.J. Cabrera at 287-9478 or Gerald Guerrero at 285-4153.