SAIPAN — The Marianas’ push to grow its profile as a winter golf destination is being highlighted through two recent Marianas Visitors Authority projects in Saipan: the new JTBC Golf program “JTBC LaoLao Bay Invitational Season 1 The Memories” and the Marianas Youth Golf Clinic held this month for local junior players.
MVA said JTBC Golf carries a mix of golf lessons, documentaries, and news, and maintains an average viewership of more than 20,000 viewers. The “JTBC LaoLao Bay Invitational” premiered Thursday, Dec. 11, featuring 12 players from the world’s top four major women’s professional golf tours competing in a one-on-one match-play format.
The lineup includes Hee-Kyung Seo, who MVA said has 11 wins on the KLPGA Tour and one win on the LPGA Tour, along with KLPGA golfers Kyung-Eun Bae, Yoon-Kyung Heo, and Dana Kim. MVA said the field has a combined 38 KLPGA victories.
In addition to tournament play, the 12-episode series follows the players as they explore Saipan, highlighting experiences around the island. The series will air every Thursday, with MVA saying it is expected to further elevate the Marianas’ reputation as a “luxury golf hub” by showcasing its golf offerings and natural landscapes.
MVA also reported that Marianas Golf Ambassador and KLPGA player BK Park conducted a Marianas Youth Golf Clinic on Dec. 7, 2025, at LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, providing lessons to 14 local junior golfers. MVA said Park, who was introduced to golf as a child while growing up in Saipan, provided swing instruction and led an interactive Q&A session.
“Marianas Golf Ambassador Park received enthusiastic feedback from our young athletes, and we appreciate her continued help in promoting the Marianas,” said MVA Acting Managing Director Judy C. Torres. “As a golfer who began her own career dreams on Saipan, her mentorship carries special significance and is meaningful to positioning the Marianas as both an amazing golf destination and one that grows alongside the local community.”
LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort served as the primary filming location for the tournament and the host venue for the youth clinic. MVA said the resort was an official sponsor of the program and co-organized the clinic, and noted LaoLao Bay is Saipan’s only 36-hole championship course and is recognized as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia-Pacific.
