Birthday girl Zhimin rules Ladies Open

Zhimin Jin, the 2022 Pacific Games gold medalist, gave herself a nifty birthday gift by winning the NMC Golf Open women’s division last weekend at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.

The 17-year-old Marianas High School student ruled the Ladies Open after shooting a two-round total of 160, firing an 83 on Day 1 last Saturday and a 77 on Day 2 last Sunday.

“The course was in a great condition. The greens were smooth and the fairways weren’t too dry due to the rain. The weather was unexpected and was surprising to me as the wind started picking up and raining on Saturday. The tournament in general was well organized with great prizes, great volunteers, and I want to thank them for all their hard work,” said Jin.

She then dedicated her Ladies Open victory to her parents, who never doubted her abilities and consistently supported her, even during her struggles.

“Their belief motivated me to work harder and prove them right. This win was very meaningful to me as it is my first win in over a year. It also serves as my 17th birthday present as my birthday was coincidentally just the day before the tournament,” she said.

She also thanked her Refaluewasch Golf Association family that has always been her biggest supporters aside from her family.

As for her best hole in the NMC Golf Open, Jin said it would have to be hole No. 12 on Day 1 on the west course and No. 3 on Day 2 on the east course.

“I had to take an unplayable ball because my tee shot ended up in front of the hazard. I saved par by making an amazing long putt. On the second day, my best hole was on No. 3 as I was able to save par from the trees left of the green.”

Conversely, her worst hole of the two-round competition was hole No. 17 on the first day, which she doubled. “I got on the front tip of the green and four-putted to get to the hole cup on the opposite side.”

Jin, who pocketed $800 for her Ladies Open win, said she intends to save her winnings to pay for the entry fees of upcoming golf tournaments.

Second place and $500 went to Young Hee Yoo with her 162, while third place and $300 cash prize was won by Meae Jeon who finished with a 167.

In the B Flight, Carl Hocog graduated to A Flight after winning the division with a two-day total of 163. Roland Merar then edged Danilo Ganacias for second place, 169-169.5.

Like the Ladies Open winners, first, second, and third placers in the B Flight went home with $800, $500, and $300, respectively.

Results of the other divisions of the NMC Golf Open will be published in the next editions of the Saipan Tribune.

The NMC Golf Open, which is also the signature event of the NMC Foundation, aims to raise funds to build and equip modern, innovative campus facilities that will help expand the CNMI’s workforce development efforts, stimulate economic growth, and provide access to quality education for the residents of the CNMI.