Franken-course record up for grabs as LaoLao Bay reopens after Sinlaku

More than 40 days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku battered Saipan, golfers returned to the links last June 6 as LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort reopened limited operations with a unique 18-hole layout that operations manager Franco Santos said was designed to get the community back on the course as quickly as possible while recovery work continues.

Santos said the resort accelerated its reopening plans because of the role golf plays in the community's recovery.

“We saw the need in the community to support the recovery process for the CNMI,” Santos said. “All these golfers here are, they have the urge and the need to play to help them with their mental state and this is one of the things that we try to, one of our goals for LaoLao, to serve the community as soon as we can.”

Instead of reopening a traditional course, LaoLao unveiled what golfers jokingly described as a “Frankenstein” layout—combining the back nine of the west course with the back nine of the east course. Santos said players are currently using holes 10-18 on both courses, allowing them to experience “the best of the two worlds” while other areas continue to recover from storm damage.

The unusual setup also created a one-day opportunity that may never happen again.

Local golfer Marco Peter said whoever posted the lowest score on opening day would effectively set a new course record.

“Well, it's a first. Like, whoever shoots low today, it's going to be the course record, because we're playing, we're starting off on the back west, and then we'll finish off on the back east,” he said. “That's something new that we're looking forward to.”

Santos said reopening was not easy, as many employees were dealing with their own typhoon-related challenges. However, once staff gradually returned to work, the resort was able to prepare the course for golfers.

“The biggest challenge was getting all the staff here so that we can recover as quickly as we can because everybody has their personal issues due from the typhoon,” he said.

He added that damage remains widespread across the property, from the clubhouse to the golf course itself, forcing management to relocate some operations and keep most amenities closed while safety concerns are addressed. The resort is currently operating only the golf course and a concession stand.

Despite those limitations, the reopening was welcomed enthusiastically by local golfers.

Darion Jones said the golfing community had been eagerly awaiting the return of play.

“Everybody here has been waiting for a long time to play golf again,” Jones said. “We're so happy LaoLao got everything done in time.”

Jones also praised resort employees for helping residents take their minds off the devastation left behind by Sinlaku.

“Thank you, management, again, for allowing us to come out and play today,” he said. “It really takes our mind off away from our disaster that we just went over, and I think everyone needs a good stress relief.”

Among another group of golfers, Fr. James Balajadia said the reopening meant reconnecting with friends and the local golf community.

“Very happy. It's good to be back with the golfing community and also just get the rust off and get back to the game,” he said.

Joe “Kamikaze “ Camacho said many golfers had been counting down the days.

“This means a lot for all the golfers here because actually everybody's been waiting for this day,” he said. “So it's very nice to be out here, enjoying the day.”

Nate Camacho described the reopening as a welcome return to normal life.

“It's a great day today. Nice blue skies, sunny day, great weather, great people around,” he said. “It's just a great day out to be on the golf course.”

The trio also praised the condition of the course despite the storm's impact. Balajadia called it “in great shape,” while Camacho said LaoLao had done “a pretty good job” maintaining the course. Camacho added that while the course was ready, “it's just my game is not in good condition right now.”

For Santos, Saturday's reopening represented more than just the return of golf.

“Today, June 6, it isn't the finish line. It's the first tee shot in getting LaoLao back,” he said. “Opening these 18 holes gives our community a place to breathe again, and gives the visitors a reason to come back.”

LaoLao Bay is currently open weekends from 8am to 5:30pm, with Friday operations and twilight golf beginning next week. Santos said management hopes to reopen all 36 holes by early July and resume hosting tournaments that support community charities and organizations.