Calatagan surges to 8-pt lead in Fil-Am

BAGUIO CITY — Calatagan displayed mental toughness in attacking the greens despite the difficult condition of the par 68 Camp John Hay course and carded 138 points to take an eight-point lead over comebacking Wack Wack in yesterday’s start of competition in the premiere Fil Championship flight of the 51st Men’s International Fil-Am Amateur Golf tournament.

Defending titlist CAP Manila Southwoods is in third spot with 120. Camp John Hay I is in fourth with 113 followed by Mizuno Masters Sports 105.

"Our team played well. The very tough conditions of the course, pin placements and hard greens sort of equalized the battle," said veteran Tommy Manotoc, who scored 34 points compared to Juvic Pagunsan who scored an eagle aided one-under 67 performance for 37 points, Solomon Gines (34) while Boyet Zaragosa (33).

Wack Wack leaned on ace player Gerard Cantada’s 39 points, best in the day at three-under 65. JR Tanpingco had 35, Kit Lopez 31 and team manager Bones Floro 25 for 130.

"We are the dark horse here. Currently in second, I think we have a fair chance. The support by our new board, which we are in the process of finally restructuring the team has given our team the boost," said Floro.

Scoring for CAP-Southwoods are Jun Jun Plaus (32) while Angelo Que, Cookie Lao and Jerome Delariarte each submitted 30 points.

The ball is round. It’s the first round anyway," said Southwoods manager Jeric Hechanova.

Over at the BCC fairways, Championship flight of the Am Division, CAP-Manila Southwoods leads the way with 132 team points thanks to the pace setting score of Chu Chu Martinez’ 37, Montito Garcia 33 and twin 31’s of Hanson So Jr. and Raymond Sangil. Juami Rocha’s 30 did not count.