Cuello, rookie pros share lead

Cookie La’O eagled the eighth hole on the way to a two-under-par 70 that enabled him to join Marlon Dizon and Rodolfo Cuello for the lead after the second round of the First Gentleman’s Professional Golf Circuit kick-off leg yesterday at the Sta. Elena Golf Club course in Cabuyao, Laguna.

The 28-year-old La’O, teeing off from the back nine, was even par through 16 holes before the debuting pro slammed a superb 5-iron approach into the green of the par-5 No. 8 then buried an eight-foot putt for the eagle and the day’s best round.

La’O’s steady play continued the remarkable showing of the brand new pros in a brand new season as Marlon Dizon, the solo frontrunner after Tuesday’s first round, kept his share of the top spot despite a two-over 74.

Rodolfo Cuello, younger brother of the more eminent Rodrigo who is among the name players skipping this inaugural leg of a circuit bankrolled by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo through his First Gentleman Foundation, Inc., tallied a 71 to join the rookie pros at 144.

The three were a stroke ahead of Armando Eso who had a 73 and Antonio Lascuna (74) on a day marked by a big improvement in scoring as five sub-par rounds and three even-par scores were turned in with the good weather holding up.

Elmer Salvador was all alone at 146 after a 74 while Alejandro Cruz (72), Benjie Magada (72) and Mars Pucay (75) were all bunched at 147.

There were only 25 players who made it to the final two rounds of play and Cassius Casas, the biggest name in the field of 99 pros, was not among them. Casas continued his woeful showing with a second straight 77 and missed the 153 cut by a mere stroke.

Also among the casualties were Dan Cruz (77-154), Ramon Brobio (83-160) and Vince Lauron (80-155).

La’O decided to waive his alternate slot in the Busan Asian Games to join a qualifying tournament for the pro ranks and prepared hard enough for his pro debut.

"The hardwork is paying off for me since I’m hitting the ball quite consistently. I’m just glad to be in contention after two days, I hope to keep playing well in the next two days," said La’O, who hit 14 greens.

"I’m putting quite well which is very important in the greens of Sta. Elena which is proving to be very fast."

The surviving amateurs will be joined by a select field of amateurs led by national champion Jerome Delariarte and Angelo Que starting today.