SALAS TOPS ALL-ISLAND GOLF

By Robert Balajadia

With all of Guam’s top golfers gathered in one place, no one stood taller than the freshman Brentt Salas from St. John’s who bested defending St. Thomas champion Devin Hua in a two-hole sudden death format at the Guam International Country Club in Dededo Tuesday.

Salas managed to birdie the final hole after Hua missed his birdie chance after both golfers tied the first sudden death hole with a birdie each.

“I was pretty nervous. I expected [Devin] to make his putt every time,” said Salas in the second hole of the playoffs.

Hua was staring down a long putt from over five feet and his attempt rolled right past the hole.

“All I was thinking was don’t miss,” admitted Salas.

With a shot less than three feet away, Salas did just that to secure 1st place.

1st place finisher Brentt Salas. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

“I feel like my practice paid off and hopefully I can improve. I’d like to thank my coach, Gus Gogue, for help getting my swing down and my family for their support.”

Salas and Hua tied in the 18th and final hole leading with a 72, getting over Guam High Panthers Braden Sprouse who had a difficult end to the course after each of the three traded leads through different holes.

Hua’s teammate Terance Camacho managed to grab 3rd place in the second group and was three strokes away from setting up a three-way battle for the 1st place.

For the girls, Nala Vongjlorn dominated the course with a final 73 stroke count with Rachel Peterson coming second with an 86 total count.

Here’s the top three finishers in the 9 and 18 holes:

Boys 18 

Brentt Salas – 72

Devin Hua 72

Terance Camacho – 75

Girls 18

Nala Vongjalorn – 73

Rachel Peterson – 84

Kalina Sunga – 94

Boys 9

Hoseok Yoon – 51

Neo Pangelinan – 55

Nick Sergienko – 59

Girls 9

Jimin Ryy – 56

Janice Lee  – 70

Ezra Cervera – 70

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Devin Hua staring down a long putt in the second hole of the sudden death playoffs. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

1st place female finisher Nala Vangjalorn begins the 18th hole. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

(photo by Robert Balajadia)

2nd place finisher Rachel Peterson swings away. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Devin Hua watches his shot bounce near the 18th hole. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Guam High’s Braden Sprouse shakes his head in disappointment after his drive. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Friars Eric Tenorio tries to level the playing field. (photo by Robert Balajadia)