Agojo stuns field, opens one-shot lead with 73

Unfazed by the credentials of her older, more experienced rivals, Jayvie Agojo banged in back-to-back birdies from No. 12 to fire a one-over par 73 yesterday and post a one-shot lead at the start of the Philippine Ladies Open golf championship at Wack Wack’s west course.

The 15-year-old Agojo, who barely missed winning a Junior World crown in San Diego last year, found the relatively short par-72 layout to her liking as she dished out a steady, accurate game under ideal playing condition to steal the thunder from the big guns.

They included club bet and national team mainstay Heidi Chua, who carded a 74, while Sarah Henderson turned in a 75 to set in motion what could probably be Hong Kong’s first serious crack at the crown.

While Agojo, a sophomore at the OB Montessori, came through with a fast start, the other fancied bets appeared to have been slowed down by the long layoff with Aileen Yao showing some rustiness in her game and opening her title-retention bid with a 76.

Balikbayan Ria Quiazon, member of many a national team, struggled with a 78 and was bunched with Eva Yoe of Hong Kong, and Lina de Guzman of Canlubang for fifth place in this annual event supported by PLDT, the Philippine Sports Commission, Carlos Palanca Foundation, Nice Shot DNF, Sentry Fire & Theft Safes and the Inquirer.

Several no-shows marred the opening round of the event with former champion and SEA Games campaigner Carmelette Villaroman failing to show up. Erlaine Lumanog and Reb Bareng also failed to make it to their tee times.

While Agojo played her role as darkhorse to the hilt, Henderson looked ready to become the first from Hong Kong to contend for the crown.

Henderson missed three birdies chances on the last three holes that could have easily put her closer to the young Agojo or even grab the upperhand.

Agojo made bogeys on two par-5s, the first on the seventh when she was forced to play out near the green as her ball rested beside a huge rock and the 10th where she three-putted.

On the 12th, her tee-shot landed on the left bunker and the lie was so difficult Jayvie was forced to play out to the fairway. She, however, saved bogey from the greenside before knocking down her first birdie from four feet on the 12th and another from eight feet on the 13th.