Ivan Sablan and Tyanna Jacot can boast another year as Guam’s top golfers as they defending their titles by taking the 2024 Guam Amateur Golf Championship with Sunday’s conclusion of the third round.
Sablan had to make his surge in the final round to regain his crown, while Jacot cruised at the top of the women’s leaderboard from the start.
Men’s Division
The 20-year-old Sablan came into the third round at the Country Club of the Pacific just a stroke back of Redge Camacho, but with a ton of confidence. He was up-and-down in the front nine (two straight bogeys, three straight birdies, ending with another bogey) to make the turn at even 36.
“I was very confident with my game coming into the final round. My swing felt good and I knew I just had to grind it out on the greens.”
– two-time champion Ivan Sablan
A birdie and two bogeys on the back side was good enough for a one-over 73 and another title for the two-time champ.
“All I was trying to focus on was keeping a consistent routine throughout the tournament,” Sablan added. “I’m fortunate that I was able to win the biggest tournament at home. Very happy to win this one.”
High schooler Stussy Shiroma had three solid rounds to garner second place, eight strokes behind Sablan.
2nd round leader Redge Camacho slipped in the standings with a tough 85. Marcus Nanpei had a strong finish to round out the top four.
Women’s champion Tyanna Jacot studies a putt in the final round. (photo by Dj Foster)
Women’s Division
Still just 16 years old, Tyanna Jacot once again proved to be head-and-shoulders above the competition with another steady two-over 74 to cruise to her second straight win.
Jacot ended the tournament on a high note with a birdie on the final hole. Jacot, who moved stateside last summer to hone her skills as a golfer, came back home to defend her title. She heads back to the state next week. Now entering her high school junior year, she said she can now talk to college coaches, but is in no rush to decide.
Veteran Rose Tarpley and youngster Mina Manibusan both shot a final round 81 to remain tied for second place.
Men’s Masters
Mike Castro led the tournament from start to finish to win the men’s masters division. Daryl Poe edged out David Blas by a stroke for second place.