Gocela, Rodriguez shine in Alta Vista golf

CEBU, Philippines - Victor Gocela and Richard Rodriguez led the winners of the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club Christmas Fun Golf Classic played over the weekend at the club’s par-72 course.

Gocela fired nines of 32 and 40 for a gross 72 strokes, the best in the tournament.

Rodriguez carded a gross score of 88 strokes and less his handicap of 31 finished with a tournament-best net of 57 strokes.

The class A title went to Marlo Cugtas, who carded a net 65 off a gross 75. He edged Arnel Kwan in the countback.

Kwan took the first runner-up honors also with a net 65 while second runner-up was Alex Yeo with a net score of 67 off a gross 74.

Rey Dira won the class A plum with a net score of 61 off a gross 75. Yasunori Hara carded a het 62 off a gross 75 to finish as first runner-up.

Avelino Zambo, Jr. took the second runner-up honors with a net score of 63 after beating Elias Espinoza in the countback.

Jephte Romea made it big in his first tournament shooting a 59 off a gross 92 to win the class C plum. Hajime Goto took the first runner-up honors with a net score of 61 while second runner-up was Hansel Ong with a net 62 edging Jason Yu in the countback.

The seniors’ title went to Tony Amor with a net score 65 strokes pulling past Boy Gonzalez in the countback. Gonzalez settled for the first runner-up honors while second runner-up was Roger Lo with a net score of 67 beating Ben Villamor in the countback.

The countbacks or tie breaks were done by comparing the scores of the players on the last nine holes. If still tied, the last six holes then the last three and then the scores starting with the 18th hole.

The ladies’ crown went to Tessa Ozoa with a net score of 59 strokes off a gross 85. Runner-up honors went to Marina Kaufmann with a net score of 69 edging Choi Yi Hwa in the countback.

Ericka Lim topped the dependents’ division shooting a net score of 68 while David Park finished as runner-up with a net score of 69.

The guest division title went to Ramon ‘Dustin’ Morada with a net score of 65. He was followed by Rico Tautho with a net score of 66 while second runner-up was Elmar Natuel with a net 67.

The two-day event is the club’s second major event of the year. The other one is The View Invitational, the member-guest tournament. (THE FREEMAN)