Del Monte stretches lead; Cebu, Canlubang at 2nd

Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines – Host Del Monte Golf and Country Club had a huge third round performance despite the rain that fell midway through the round to post a 12-point lead over Canlubang and Cebu Country Club in the penultimate day of the 64th Philippine Airlines Interclub Golf Tournament here.

Del Monte now has an aggregate of 412 points and hopes to claim its second overall title in this annual tournament that is also considered as the national interclub championships. The much-hyped Canlubang is tied for second with Cebu Country Club with 400 points apiece.

Del Monte had rounds of 13, 141, and 138 with Clyde Mondilla leading the team yesterday shooting one-under-par 37 points. The others who counted in the five-to-play, four-to-count format were Julius Bautista 36, Mark Mondilla 33, and Magno Arancon Jr. 32. The 28 of Mel Cubillo did not count.

Opening round leader Cebu Country Club had another great effort scoring 131 points yesterday after shooting 136 and 133 in the first two rounds. Fifteen-year-old Gio Gandionco led the team with even-par 36 points.

Also counting for the team total were Lloyd Jefferson Go with 35 points, Mark Dy 33 and either of the 27s submitted by veteran Eric Deen and last-minute replacement Charles ‘Chuckie’ Hong.

Hong was brought in only the other day by skipper Ramontito Garcia, who decided not to play due to a wrist injury.

Garcia told The Freeman yesterday that they are happy to be where they are considering that they are tied with the defending champions.

“We still have our target scores for tomorrow, but there is only a very slim chance of winning the title,” Garcia said.

He added, “Can-lubang’s team tomorrow (today) does not seem to be very strong, so there will be an interesting battle for second.”

Cebu’s final push will be bannered by veteran Carl Almario, Marko Sarmiento, Bayani Garcia, Jovi Neri, and Hong.

Canlubang made 127 yesterday courtesy of Joey Huerva 33, Art Arbole 32, Gabriel Manotoc 32, and Abe Rosal 30. Dave Hernandez had 29, which did not count.

Manila Southwoods remains at fourth with 365 points on rounds of 117, 122, and 126.

At fifth is still Cebu’s Alta Vista Golf and Country Club with 322 points on rounds of 102, 109 and 111. Emir Abutazil led the team yesterday with 31 points and was backed by Enrico Solon with 30, and Edsel Tan and Dennis Canoy with 25 each. The 24 of Marvin Mendoza did not count.

There are 15 teams in this premiere category.

Founders

Alabang continues to flourish in this second-ranked division with an aggregate of 362 points on rounds of 125, 127 and 110.

Running second is Orchard with 353 (119-116-118) followed by Riviera 345 (122-110-113) and first day leader Wack-Wack 338 (131-103-104).

Mactan Island Golf Club dropped to 13th with a total of 297 points on rounds of 115, 94, and 88. Those who scored yesterday were Boyet Dizon 27, Wenceslao Romero 24, Bart Vergara 23, and either of the 14s of B. Gen. Raul Dimatatac and Col. Bam Jamorabo.

Ronnie Sarigumba, who shot four-under-par 40 points on the first round is playing today at Del Monte. He will be joined by Marlo Cugtas, Kim Agatep, Hiroyuki Hasegawa, and Hubert Calan.

Friendship

Club Filipino Incorporada Cebu showed some grit yesterday after a disastrous second round to come within striking distance in this fourth-ranked division. The Cebuanos are still on fourth spot, but are now only five behind the two teams tied for second.

PGA British Columbia still holds the lead with 269 points on rounds of 94, 82, and 93 while UP Tee Jots and South Cotabato are tied for second with 250 apiece.   UP scored rounds of 100, 75, and 75 while South Cotabato made 94, 81, and 75.

Club Filipino, which opened with 91 points and dropped to 66 on the second day, had 88 yesterday behind the 31 points of Shotaro Suda. Razy Razon added 24 points for the team over at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City while Kenneth Dyguani made 18 and Ramon ‘Boboy’ Durano IV had 15. The 10 of Lito Barino did not count for the team total.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW).

Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation and Traversing the Orient.

Also lending support are corporate sponsor Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel.

Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay. More detailed information on the tournament is available at www.palinterclub.com. (FREEMAN)