Nicholas wins RGA January tourney

Cameron Nicholas topped the two-day Refaluwasch Golf Association January Ace of the Month Tournament held last Jan. 14 and 27 at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

The 31-year-old Legislative Bureau staff shot a two-round net score total of 147 (74-73) to win the club’s first tournament of the year.

Nicholas actually secured the win on Round 2 by firing two birdies in the back nine on holes No. 12 and 18.

Joseph Sasamoto Jr. came in second with a 152 (80-72), while Patrick Fitial completed the Top 3 with his 155 (75-80).

Nicholas, who pocketed $55 for topping the tourney, said he was just happy to win the RGA January Ace of the Month Tournament.

“What really worked for me was my putting. The winds were quite strong so getting on the green was a challenge for me. But the flat stick really saved me those two rounds,” he said.

The former Saipan Little League slugger said the weather was good on Day 1 of the tourney, but was drastically different on Day 2.

“It was quite windy, but it was decent on the first day. On the second day, the winds were much stronger. Furthermore, it was quite rainy on the front nine. But the rain cleared by the back nine, however, the winds were still there.”

Relief was his initial reaction after topping the first qualifier of RGA’s season-ending Ace of Aces Tournament.

“It means a lot. I expect it to be competitive. I know the association is filled with some talented golfers. So, I know all the future ace winners will be hungry to win.”

Nicholas dedicated his win to his family, friends, fellow RGA members, and his old Sakati Golf Crew.

“I joined RGA because I know a bunch of the golfers in the association. I knew it was competitive. So, I joined to challenge myself as a golfer,” he said when asked why he joined the established club.

In the closest to the pin competition, Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho won hole No. 3 and No. 17, while Zhi Yun”Venom” Li beat everyone in hole No. 13. Newly installed RGA president Marco Peter was supreme in hole No. 13.