HANMI Charity Golf Classic set for May 23

One of the most highly anticipated annual golf tournaments in the Northern Mariana Islands is set to tee off on May 23 as the 8th Annual HANMI Charity Golf Classic Tournament prepares to offer golfers the chance to win enticing prizes while supporting a good cause.

This year’s tournament will be held at the Larry Nelson-designed Coral Ocean Point Resort and will be open to the first 140 paid registrants. Approximately $6,000 in cash prizes and numerous in-kind prizes await the winners. Proceeds of the tournament will be contributed to community charities.

“The HANMI Charity Golf Classic Tournament is one of our most highly anticipated events during the year,” said HANMI vice chairman Nick Nishikawa. “In addition to being an exciting tournament for local golfers, our members enjoy working with our tournament sponsors to help raise money for local charities. We look forward to another successful tournament this year.”

Registration forms will be available later this month at Coral Ocean Point, Hyatt Regency Saipan, and Marianas Resort and Spa. Early bird tournament fee is $90 for payments by May 21. The fee includes green fee, prizes, and the awards banquet. The fee increases to $110 on May 22. For an additional $20, players may also compete for nearest to the pin, most accurate drive, and longest drive.

The tournament features six categories: Championship Flight, A Flight, B Flight, C Flight, Seniors (55-and-over), and Ladies. Players in the Championship Flight must have 0-5 handicaps, while those in A Flight are 6-10 handicappers. The B Flight is for players with 11-17 handicap, while C Flight are for players with handicap above 17.

Winners (champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up) for the female golfers will be determined using the Double Peoria handicap system. First place winners of all flights will receive $500 and a trophy; second place finishers will receive $300 and a trophy; and third place winners will receive $200 and a trophy. In addition to prizes in the flight category, hole-in-one prizes will also be awarded.

Other competitions include most accurate drive, longest drive, and nearest to the pin. Players interested in registering for these competitions must pay an additional $25.

The tournament will start at 7am. The awards ceremony will be held at Hyatt Regency Saipan poolside at 6:30pm.

Previously, HANMI has supported Crimestoppers and other community causes with the proceeds of the tournament. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]