80-100 ‘expected’ for Chamber golf tourney

Organizers behind the Inaugural Saipan Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is hoping for a great turnout for the event set for tomorrow at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort west course.

Chamber president James T. Arenovski said the business organization is hoping that the local fundraiser attracts “between 80 and 100 golfers.”

He said proceeds from the golf tournament are slated for the educational efforts the Chamber is involved with, including the educational scholarship fund, employment workshops, and adult basic education, among others.

The Inaugural Saipan Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will use a two-person, best-ball format and show time is at 6:30am with shotgun start at 7:30am.

Up for grabs are championships in the Low Gross and Low Net (Double Peoria) categories. Winners in the two divisions get to take home $500 each, while runners-up don’t go empty handed with cash prizes of $300 (second place) and $200 (third place) for each of the two categories.

Arenovski earlier invited golf pros and weekend warriors to take part in the inaugural competition.

“We are having our first Chamber Golf Tournament. It is a two-person, best-ball format, so it is for players of all skill levels. If you haven’t played in a while, this is your chance to play and have some fun. Thanks to those who have committed to hole sponsorships and raffle prizes. I hope you will encourage employees and friends to sign up.”

The sponsorships Arenovski was referring to are hole-in-one sponsorships, which the Inaugural Saipan Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament has four of—$25,000 from Bank of Hawaii, $15,000 from Takagi & Associates, $5,000 from Century Insurance Company, Ltd., and a Yamaha R-6 Sports Bike from Joeten Motors.

Aside from Top 3 in the Low Gross and Low and the hole-in-one challenge, organizers also are dangling additional prizes for the straightest drive, longest drive, and closest to the pin.

In addition, Arenovski said an accurate drive hole sponsored by SaipanCell Communications will win the lucky participant a spunking new Blackberry.

“We also have great raffle prizes like trips to Hawaii, Korea, and other destinations in Asia from Northwest Airlines and Asiana Airlines. Room stays from Hyatt Regency Saipan and Pacific Islands Club, many waterpark passes, meals, and much more!” he added.

Registration fee is $110 per player after the $99 early bird special price expired yesterday. The cost is inclusive of green fee, prizes, and the awards banquet. Banquet guests will be charged $20 per person.

Those interested in joining the competition should make checks payable to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 233-7150 or email coordinator@saipanchamber.com.