Steady Bayron completes Cangolf romp

Top amateur Jay Bayron fashioned out a steady outing for four days to win the third Canlubang Open amateur golf championship with a closing even par 72 yesterday at the Robert Trent Jones-designed Cangolf complex in Canlubang, Laguna.

Bayron, a member of the RP team which won the bronze in last year’s SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, played near flawless in four days to amass a 72-hole total of 286, two-under par in the tournament.

He won by two shots over Southwoods Gene Bondoc who had a final day 71 for 288 while Canlubang’s Dave Hernandez came in third with 293 after a 74.

"Maganda halos lahat," said the 23-year old Bayron, a former caddies national champion who has British pro George Walker as personal coach.

Veteran Tommy Manotoc also completed his romp in the championship’s Division 2 group, piecing together rounds of 72-73 for 145. He won over Southwoods Bong Brobio (149) and teammate Mari Hechanova (151).

In class A, Tony Olives had a two-day card of 75-77 to emerge best in gross score at 152. Bobby Inigo won the event with a net 141, followed by Jimmy Feliciano with a 142 and Jun Sarmiento with a 144.

Meanwhile, in Class B, Canlubang old course mainstay Boy Rivera had cards of 79-74-153 to claim low gross honors. In the net category, Rudy Verano prevailed with 134, followed by Ricky Velasco with 136 and Vic Onelia who had similar 136 but lost out on the tiebreak.

Alfredo dela Peña put in the best gross score in Class C with 160 while Nestor Espiritu ruled the net division with 135 card. Manny de Leon came in second with 136 and Ernie Ocampo third with 139.

In Class D, Faustino Moresca came out on top with 134 net score, followed by Danny Batino ( 138) and Robert Banatin (140). Renato Balero earned the best gross title with 190.