Kieffer reclaims NMC Golf Open crown

NMI’s Dominique Kieffer reclaimed the top spot of the two-day 2026 NMC Foundation Golf Open with a gross score of 145 at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort over the weekend of Mar. 21-22.

The tournament, which draws local golfers and players from around the region, including Guam and South Korea, had tough conditions, with strong winds and rough greens throughout the weekend.

Even with that, Kieffer opened with a 73, then followed it up with a 72 to close it out, finishing five shots ahead of the rest. She ran into trouble on the par-3 No. 15 and took a double bogey, but didn’t let it shake her.

Kieffer, who won the championship flight two years in a row before falling short last year, said it felt good to be back on top again this year. She said, “It’s redemption. I didn’t win last year so I’m very happy to just feel like my game is in a good place… I’m excited that my game is going in the right direction.”

The tourney also featured a $100,000 shootout challenge sponsored by Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, with a chance to participate decided by raffle. No one won it though and said, “The likelihood of making a 175-yard shot is extremely rare and that’s why the prize is so much. I usually feel like I’m a very good raffle person—I’ve been getting all the raffles this year so that was one of them. I was happy to get chosen and it’s fun to try but you know you’re not going to win.”

She then thanked the organizers and sponsors, as well as her employer GHD for helping out with her entry.

Zhi Yun Li claimed second place with a 150 (77-73), with Louie Sunga in third at 156 (76-80).

In the A Flight, John Anthony Muna took first place with a 168 after rounds of 82 and 86, followed by Kiwan (Michael) Nam in second with a 171 (81-90), and Jerry Lin in third with a 172 (84-88).

Over in the B Flight, Dong In Jang finished on top with a 165 (85-80), while James Ripple came in second with a 169 (84-85), and Sukyoung Yoon placed third with a 172 (84-88).

The C Flight saw John Terlaje lead the way with a 178 (85-93), edging out Augustin Palacios who shot a 179 (91-88), while Matt Deets rounded out the top three with a 180 (88-92).

In the Ladies Flight, Nalathli Vongjalorn posted the lowest score of the division with a 156 (80-76) to take first, followed by Hyun Sook Lim in second with a 159 (76-83), and Hyranie McAuslen in third with a 166 (84-82).

Joseph Sasamoto dominated the Seniors Flight with a steady 148 (74-74), while Mike Castro took second with a 155 (76-79), and Anthony Benavente also shot a 155 (80-75) to place third. And in the Super Seniors Flight, Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho finished first with a 163 (79-84), followed by Joseph Sablan in second with a 165 (83-82), and Edward Manibusan in third, also at 165 (81-84).

NMC president, Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero thanked all the sponsors and golfers in his opening remarks, “With your help, we had a historic number of prizes, a historic number of sponsors, a historic number of money raised for this year. You are contributing to a brand new campus for NMC, brand new programs, and a brand new strategic plan heading your way in August.”

He then thanked Bank of Hawaii for their historic contribution of $40,000.

The platinum sponsors included Bank of Hawaii, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, and Matson. The Hole-In-One sponsors were Atkins Kroll Saipan, Joeten Motors, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Triple J Saipan, Ambyth Shipping, AP Group, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Seafix, Top Shelf Wine & Spirits, and Century Insurance.