Northern Marianas Pacific Games golf team. Photo: Mark Rabago
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands has named its national golf team for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
After a five-round try-out, six golfers and one alternate were named to the team.
Franco Santos, Joe "Kamikaze" Camacho, Joe Sasamoto, Ben Jones Jr., Marco Peter, Kaegel Taitano (alternate), and 2022 Pacific Mini Games reigning women's gold medalist Zhi Min Jin.
Jin, 15, received the Best Junior Female athlete award at the 11th Mini Games held in Northern Marianas.
Taitano, who's been designated the team's coach, said their goal as a team is to bring home the gold medal.
He said the national golf team plans to achieve this by conducting quality practice sessions and helping each other with their weaknesses.
"This will allow us to maximize our potential to perform the best way we can when it comes to game day," Taitano said.
"The dedication and chemistry in this team are outstanding and can't elaborate enough on the camaraderie amongst the selected individuals," the 30-year-old police officer said.
The 17th Pacific Games will officially start on November 19 and golf is among one of 24 sports that will see the regions top golfers competing against each other.
The golf competition at the Games will take place between Novermber 20 and 25 at the Honiara Golf Club.
