Oliver is RGA Club Champion

It was no surprise as May Ace Sasaki Oliver stormed ahead of the 15-man pack to win Saturday’s Refalawasch Golf Association’s Club Champion Tournament at the Kingfisher Golf Links.

Oliver brought his A game and sizzled in the 18-hole affair to emerge victorious after swinging away for a net score of 68.

Sasaki got off to a strong start as he quickly zapped into a zone of his own and cruised through the first nine with a 34. With his swing making sweet music, Sasaki held a firm grip on the lead and carried that momentum to the back nine and closed strong by firing a 36 to finish with a gross score of 2-under par 70. His score dropped two strokes to 68 courtesy of his miniscule handicap.

“I’m going to try and relax a little so I can savor this,” Oliver said during the awards ceremony later that night at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

Finishing just one stroke behind Sasaki was January Ace Louie Tilipao, who worked his first nine holes for a score of 43 before making adjustments and finessing his play for a better back nine score of 41. With that, Tilipao finished with a gross score of 84, but his score had a huge jump when his 15 handicap came into play, which resulted in a net score of 69.

Taking third place was December Ace Jess Wabol, who got better as the tournament went along. After needing just 39 strokes to complete his first nine holes, Wabol finished in style and scored a 36 in the back nine for a gross score of 3-over par 75. His three handicap dropped his score to 72.

Others who competed were Ben Duenas (73), Joe Wabol (73), Tony Satur (74), Bill Limes (75), Joe Demapan (77), defending champion Mario Taitano (78), Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho (78), Jordan Kosam (78), Sonny Flores (79), John Mettao (80), Bill Kaipat (80), and Alex Aquiningoc (81).

With the win, Oliver went home with $200, while Tilipao and Wabol earned $125 and $75. Sasaki added $40 to his pocket after hitting the ball closest to the pin on hole No. 12. Demapan also won hole. No. 6 for $40.

Meanwhile, Camacho, who was the November Ace, was presented the Sid K. Peter Award after playing the most rounds (14) in the 2005.

“It’s a very prestigious award because it’s dedicated to one of our members that past away,” he said. “So I made all the rounds that I could put in because I devoted myself to the club, so I’m grateful that I won this award.”

Camacho explained that he picked up the game through his brother and has continued to develop his skills since then.

“I took it seriously when he dared me to be good at it. He knew I had what it takes to be a golfer. He pushed me to the limit to be where I am today and I’m thankful for that,” he said.

Mettao, who won July’s Ace tourney, also went home with a big shiny trophy after posting the lowest net average in 2005 with a norm of 70.4.

“I had to really concentrate. My wood is alright, so I really tried to focus on my chipping and putting,” he said. The game of golf deals with a lot of concentration. Each shot counts so you got to concentrate to have a good form. I’m lucky this year because I had good results. Of course, some days are good and some days are not. That’s just part of the game.”

All ace of the month winners were also presented their monthly trophies.