McDougal returns for Hyatt Classic

With several of the usual cast of topnotch golfers lining up to participate in next month’s Club at the Hyatt Golf Classic, tournament organizers got a lift yesterday when “professional striker” Jimmy McDougal of Scotland arrived on Saipan in advance of the event.

While the tournament of leisure is slated for Oct. 15 at Laolao Bay Golf Resort’s beautiful and challenging west course, McDougal said that his early return to the CNMI was based on his dedication towards winning the Classic.

Just an hour after touching down at Francisco A. Ada International Airport, McDougal was already checking his clubs, touring around Garapan, and meeting with Hyatt general manager Michael von Siebenthal

After meeting with the veteran duffer, von Siebenthal said that he was pleased to have the celebrity return for the tournament and as a guest at the hotel.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have him back. He was a great draw card last year, I hear he has won a number of tournaments in between, and most of them not exactly sober so I hope he can keep his alcohol—his whiskey down during the tournament,” he said.

McDougal rebuffed the drinking claim, and said that he has a new strategy that will enable him to have some success this year.

“We’re not too sure about that. I think a few whiskeys definitely gonna be happenin’ in the morning of he tournament to get me right into that focused line. I feel absolutely great. I mean look at it, I hear there’s loads of rain but I came in and then the sun shines for us. I’ve got to be good luck, haven’t I? This year I’ve got a mental edge, I’ve been doing a lot of focus in the last few months, so I’m ready,” he said.

With his eye on the prize, McDougal said that he isn’t wasting any time and will hit the course as soon as possible to prepare for the tournament and to avoid last year’s unfortunate mishap.

“Last year was tough. I pulled a groin muscle the morning of the tournament, and that was a little tough for me. Now it’s all about practice. Plenty of practice, plenty of practice. I have got to go familiarize myself with this course, you know, Laolao west. Tough course, but you know what, there’s some great prizes and I know I’m gonna win, I just know it—I’ve got this inert feeling,” he said.

At the end of the interview session, von Siebenthal was one of the few who received an autograph from McDougal, and all others seeking a meeting with the pro must schedule an appointment through his agents at the Hyatt or by contacting Club Elan manager Faheem Ebrahim.

Just like last year, the tournament holds a 4-person best-ball scramble format that evens the odds for the sub-par without handicapping the best of the best.

The registration time at the course is 6:30am followed by a 7:25am shotgun start, and the cost to swing with the kings is $95 for Club Elan members and $110 for non-members

For more information about the golf tournament, contact Ebrahim by calling 234-1234 ext 5827, or via email febrahim@hyattsaipan.com.