Southwoods makes third-round siege

BAGUIO – Manila Southwoods went on a fierce chase in the third round yesterday and arranged an exciting final-day showdown with bitter rival Nike for the Fil crown in the 55th Fil-Am Golf Invitational here.

Former national amateur champion Artemio Murakami fired a course-record three-under-par 58 for 39 points at the Baguio Country Club layout, highlighting Southwoods’ strong charge that had the Carmona-based squad inching within three of Nike.

Heading into the final round, Nike has 426 as against Southwoods’ 423.

Murakami played conservatively while teeing off from the back nine. He canned in birdies on Nos. 18, 1 and 8 in shooting the course record at the short but tricky BCC course.

"We’re not the favorite but Nike and Del Monte. But we’re determined to give them a good fight," said Southwoods golf director Jeric Hechanova.

It would be remembered that Southwoods rallied from 14 points down in the final round to win the 2000 Fil-Am championship.

In its searing charge yesterday, Southwoods drew 36 points from Gene Bondoc, 35 from Mike Bibat and 31 from Antonio Asistio. Junjun Plana’s 28 did not count.

Nike barely hung onto the lead with Jay Bayron making 37 points and, thus, solidifying his bid for the individual crown with a total of 111 points.

Juvic Pagunsan added 35 points while Jun Bernis and Abe Rosal both chipped in dismal 30 points. Boyet Saragosa’s 29 did not count.

Reigning PAL Interclub champion Del Monte came up with only 129 and virtually moved out of contention with a 407. Mizuno DHL limped home with 119 points for a 390 aggregate.

Tommy Manotoc fired a three-under 66 for 39 at the Club John Hay course as Nike practically bagged the Am Championship with a day best 146.

Dave Hernandez scored a two under 38, while Ronnie Torrecampo and JR Tanpingco added 35 and 34 as Nike totaled 413 points after the penultimate round.

Southwoods wilted under the Nike pressure and managed a dismal 126 for 367 aggregate, while Del Monte scored 121 points for a 353 total. Mizuno DHL is a far fourth after a 109 for 330.

Meanwhile, Butch Bautista of Team L.A. scored an ace on the par 3, 174 yard hole 18 of Camp John Hay.

Five other aces were registered in the two-week Fil-Am, three each from the BCC and CJH courses.