Canlubang takes first-round lead

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — On a day when par was considered a solid score at the demanding Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Canlubang held on to a slim one-point lead over Cebu Country Club at the start of the 76th Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub yesterday.

Canlubang posted 137 points, with Jesse Hernandez leading the charge, contributing 47 points.

“It’s always good to be ahead,” said Canlubang captain Tony Olives who also drew a pair of 45 points from Damasus Wong and Santiago Santos.

Hernandez started with birdie and par but picked up on the par-3 third hole after shanking an eight-iron tee shot.

CCC rode on a couple of 46s by Montito Garcia and Carl Almario to move into strong contention. Rounding out CCC’s score was Sato Jufil.

Defending champion Del Monte and Manila Southwoods shared third spot with identical 132 points, three points ahead of many-time winner Luisita.

Del Monte drew 46s from Raul Minoza and Yoyong Velez and 40 from Ernesto Apas.

Junjun Plana scored his senior career-worst 47 for Southwoods which collected 45 from Judd Roy and 40 from Theody Pascual.

With five teams separated by just eight points, it’s anyone’s race.

Marapara’s length and strong winds challenged the golfers, but nothing compared to the 626-yard 18th hole, where reaching it in regulation was nearly impossible.