Singh, Kim leads HANMI winners

Golfers Dan Singh and Leina Kim led the parade of winners during Saturday’s 5th Annual HANMI Charity Golf Classic Tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort.

Singh brought out his A game and posted the best score of the day to win the Championship Flight with a 1-over 73. He was a shot behind the lead after his first nine holes after recording a score of 38, then bettered his play for a 35 on the back nine to beat fellow standout Sasaki Oliver by just a stroke.

Oliver, who recently competed in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia, also had an impressive day on the course as he shot a 39 on his first nine holes and finished strong with a 35 for an overall tally of 2-over 74.

Taking third place was veteran Jess Wabol, who finished with 3-over 75 after shooting 37 on the front and 38 on the back.

Others who gave the three a run for their money in the flight were Jeff Taylor (76), Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho (78), J.H. Park (81), and Andy Nepaial (85).

For her part, Kim posted the lowest gross and net scores to finish as the top female golfer.

The teenage sensation got off to a decent start and shot a 41 on her first nine holes. She then broke into a zone of her own and made it hard for others to compete against her as she shot a 34 on the back nine for a gross score of 3-over 75. With her 10 handicap, she was able to win the lowest net competition, finishing with 65.

Emily Santos placed second as she finished with a net score of 66. She recorded a gross score of 80 and saw her score drop with her 14 handicap.

Lorraine Babauta placed third with a net score of 68 after shooting a 90 and holding a 22 handicap.

Meanwhile, Clifford Camacho was the top finisher in the A Flight as it took him 41 strokes to get through the front nine and 40 for the back nine to finish with an 81. Gus Camacho and Alex Sablan followed with scores of 82 and 83.

Tony Sablan won the B Flight via scorecard tiebreaker as he and Rick Kautz finished with identical scores of 80. Sablan shot a 42 and 38 and Kautz shot 37 and 43. Ray Dela Cruz placed third with an 84.

Charlie Jo won the C Flight with a score of 81, while Jim Eung Ahn and Joel Chang followed with scores of 87 and 89. Chang was tied with Carlos Salas, however, he won via tiebreaker.

Also taking top honors were Jess Taitano, Edward Manglona, and Kyo Nam Kim in the Seniors Flight.

Aside from the Ladies category, first place winners received $500 and a trophy; second place finishers receive $300 and a trophy; and third place winners receive $200 and a trophy.

Kim posted the lowest gross to win $500, and had the lowest net to add another $300 to her pocket. Santos won $200.