‘Camo Joe’ wins Seniors Flight

Many-time national golfer Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho wore his lucky camo shorts again and it apparently worked as he won the Seniors Flight of the NMC Golf Open last weekend at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.

The 63-year-old LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort staff shot a two-round score of 149 to dominate the division. He shot a 4-over 76 on Day 1 on the west course before retiring to the clubhouse with a 1-over 73 on Day 2 on the east course.

“The course was in excellent condition except for the light rain showers. The wind conditions weren’t much of a factor for me because I practice a lot during windy days. It’s actually the best time to practice in my opinion,” he said.

As for the highlight of the Northern Marianas College fundraiser for him, Camacho said it was the very first hole of Round 2 of the competition.

“I think my best hole was No. 1 on the east course on the second day because it was so windy and it made the hole longer than normal and I made birdie,” he said.

It marked the second time Camacho won a golf tournament during his birth month. He turned a year older last March 17. He also divulged that he played with literally some sort of a handicap on both days of the NMC Golf Open.

“Saturday and Sunday I worked from 5am to 7am prior to the tournament and right after I was done playing it was back to work from 12pm until 8pm.”

As for participating in the NMC Golf Open and other fundraising golf tournaments on Saipan, Camacho said he’s always ready to support.

“I love helping out in events and functions for a good cause to help the community, schools, or the churches. It makes me feel good knowing I can still help and not just being there to win but more to help. We all need some help, maybe not to me personally but my kids and family,” he said.

Camacho also gave a shoutout to his sponsor, Marianas Carrier, for again supporting him in the NMC Golf Open.

“As for my winnings, I’m going to spend it wisely on next month’s Saipan Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. I will be pairing up with my son, Xerxes Nigel, in the two-man scramble format tournament. I’m really excited to play with him again.”

Coming in second to Camacho in the Senior Flight was Anthony Benavente with his 160 (78-82) with Jeffrey Taylor taking third with his 161 (82-79).

Camacho earned $800 for topping the division, while Benavente and Taylor went home with $500 and $300, respectively.

In the C Flight, Antonio Norita (167), James Lin (171), and Byugin Lin (177) finished 1-2-3 and also pocketed $800, $500, and $300, respectively.

The NMC Golf Open, which is 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.