Kim sinks hole-in-one in XGA fundraiser

Junior golfer Jeong Yun Kim took top honors in last Saturday’s X-clusive Golf Association fundraiser held at Coral Ocean Point, dropping a hole-in-one on hole No. 14 in the process.

A healthy turnout of 74 golfers participated in the fundraiser, which was coupled with XGA’s Ace of the Month event.

Kim came to the turn with a four-over par 40, but thanks to her ace midway through the back nine, she finished the round just one-over with a gross 73.

Kim won $250 for topping the field after her 70.6 low-net adjustment and also took home an additional $50, a one-night stay at Fiesta Resort & Spa, a free round of golf at COP, and a free dinner for two at the Saipan Grand Hotel for the hole-in-one.

Kim graciously donated the $50 back to XGA to help support member Juan Cepeda’s medical referral to Hawaii.

“It was a great turnout and a great day for golf. I want to thank Coral Ocean Point and everyone again for supporting my brother John [Cepeda]. We are truly grateful for all the help…and congratulations to Miss Kim for her hole-in-one. She really impressed everyone on Saturday, not just because of the ace, but she is very young and won the event with a minuscule 2.4 handicap,” said organizer Dave Cepeda.

Notably, Kim also took third prize in the Tournament of Champions’ ladies flight just last weekend at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

Greg Castro scratched a pair of 44s for an 88 gross score and ended up placing second after the handicap adjustment with a net 71.2; he won $150.

Joey Dela Cruz came in third place, pacing Kim with a 40 on the front nine before finishing the back with a 37 for a 7-over par 79; he was issued a 71.8 after the handicap adjustment and won $100.

In addition, Albert Palacios won $200 and was declared XGA’s August Ace of the Month with a net score of 75. Palacios grossed an 87, hitting the turn with a 46 and coming to the clubhouse with a 41 on the back.

Dela Cruz won an additional $120 for placing second and John Reyes netted a 73.6 for third place and won $80. Reyes came to the turn just two-over par with a 38 and finished the back with a 44. Both Dela Cruz and Reyes are former ace winners, and are thus ineligible for the honor.

The Ace of the Month field consisted of 24 XGA members and the tournament used a double peoria format. The awards banquet was held at Dave Cepeda’s house after the conclusion of the event.

The date and venue for next month’s XGA Ace of the Month event is still being determined.

Contact Dave Cepeda at 285-0931 for more information.