Back-to-back for Mr. Unorthodox

Jess Wabol is a step closer in representing the CNMI in the golf competition for next year’s Pacific Games after topping the first and second blue tee qualifiers held over the weekend at the Laolao Bay Golf Resort.

Wabol won Saturday’s qualifier after firing a gross score of 79 at the Kagman venue’s east course. The man local golf aficionados fondly call Mr. Unorthodox made short work of the greens and fairways in the first nine holes with a 37. He struggled a bit in the final nine and limped to the clubhouse with a 42.

With his one handicap, Wabol also pocketed $120 for shooting the lowest net of the day with his 78.

Retired Superior Court president judge Edward Manibusan came in second with his 88 (47-41), while Tony Satur completed the Top 3 with an 18-hole total of 91 (48-43).

Other golfers that took part in the first qualifier from the blue, with their scores in parenthesis, were Gus Camacho (94, 41-53), Rick Kautz (97, 50-47), and Richard Jones (98, 51-47).

Wabol made it two-for-two on the weekend when he returned to Laolao Bay, this time on its west course, to top the second blue tee qualifier with a sparkling 73.

The former principal of the Oleai Elementary School needed 38 swings to finish the front nine but caught fire in the second, requiring a mere 35 to sweep the weekend Pacific Games qualifier.

Adam Hardwicke was second with his 78 (39-39) and tied Wabol for the low net with their identical 72, which rewarded them $80 apiece.

Richard Jones was third with his 90 (44-46) followed by Alex Sablan (96, 46-50), junior golfer Charlie Jo (96, 45-51), Chang Kim (100, 46-54), and Richard Jones (101, 50-51)

Wabol earlier said the Top 5 following the blue tee qualifiers will represent the CNMI in next year’s Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.

The third qualifier from the blue tee takes place this Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Kingfisher Golf Links before concluding the second and final tier of the selection process with another back-to-back on Nov. 4 and 5 at Laolao Bay Golf Resort.

Wabol said the qualifying rounds are open to all golfers in the CNMI. It costs $30 to enter the qualifiers—$20 for entry fee and $10 for fundraising contribution.

Those with high handicaps need not worry, as Wabol said the tournament will offer prizes to golfers with the lowest net scores.

For more information about the qualifying rounds for the Pacific Games, contact Wabol at 288-1129.