Rates snatches crown via playoff

Kagitingan’s Joenard Rates parred the first extra hole yesterday to beat Wack Wack’s Ruben de la Rosa in their sudden death playoff for the 14th Uratex National Caddies Championship’s men’s title.

Rates, 20, son of former touring pro Joe Jr., tamed Valley’s par 70, 5,396-yard Executive Course with another 69 to force the tournament’s first sudden death in 15 years.

The win also erased the embarrassment Rates suffered by being disqualified for signing a scorecard with a wrong entry in his debut three years ago in the event Robert Cheng launched in 1988.

That 69 enabled Rates to tie De la Rosa in regulation at 281. De la Rosa started two up on Rates and Ronnie Sarigumba but faltered with a one over par 71. He won P42,350 in gift certificates.

Wack Wack combined for a final round 218 to retain the men’s team trophy with 877. Mount Malindang made 219 to place second at 878 while host Valley shot 214 to settle for third at 881.

Bacolod’s Jocel Pagunsan closed out with an 83 to go with her earlier efforts of 88 and 82 to run away with the women’s division individual championship 253.

"Where’s daddy?," was Rates’ first concern. After a while, he said: "I thank Mr. Cheng for resuming the event. And the prize, though in gift certificates, will be used for the education of my two brothers.

For their wins Rates and Wack Wack each won P75,000 and a color television set apiece from Frank Manalo and Bayer Philippines’ Greg Pangan. Ms. Pagunsan won P20,000.

Despite finishing second for the third time in four attempts, De la Rosa of Wack Wack took solace on their team victory. Said he: "It’s all right. After all, we retained the team championship."

"I would like to congratulate the winners. For playing well, they were rewarded," Cheng said. "And I would like to thank Valley Golf and Country Club president Bobot Marquez and the board for being a gracious hosts.

The awards ceremony promptly started as soon as the final flight has completed its round. Organizing committee co-chairmen Col. Abe Villanueva and Manding Santos awarded the prizes–all in gift certificates.

Also present were Cheng and his pretty daughters Pinky and Peachy and son Big Boy and special guests Yakult president Victory Dy Sun, Greg Pangan of Bayer Philippines, businessmen Danny Pe and Joseph Lee.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, who was to the main guest and speaker, sent his regrets. "He told us this morning something came up," Santos said.

Despite Arroyo’s absence, the 2387 caddies from a record field of 63 received their additional allowance of P500 each from him.

Dy Sun later awarded the P50,000 in gift certificates to Cebu Green Island’s Roderick Borja for hitting a hole in sone on the sixth during the opening round. He also got P5,000 from Valley.

Sarigumba closed out with a 70 to finish second at 282 while Wack Wack’s Toti Olandes made a 71 to place fourth at 284. Fifth was Del Monte’s Jose Jaraula with a 69 and 287.