Pagunsan flawless, up front with 64

CANLUBANG – Juvic Pagunsan fired a six-under-par 64 yesterday and found no need to look at his swing after the opening round of the P4.5 million The Country Club Invitational golf tournament here.

Pagunsan, the 2006 champion, had a bogey-free round, hitting six birdies on the long, soggy layout and moving at least four strokes up on a star-studded field now chasing him and the P1.3 million top purse.

After his round, Pagunsan had quick lunch at the huge air-conditioned tent serving as the tournament clubhouse. Then he checked his tee-off time for today, and went straight to his home in nearby Sta. Rosa.

“I can’t be late for tomorrow,” said Pagunsan of his 8 a.m. tee-off time where he will be paired with Mars Pucay. “A lot of people are after me. I have to watch my back. I’ll be here early tomorrow.”

Frankie Miñoza fired a 72, eight strokes off. After signing his scorecard, the Asian Tour standout went straight to the driving range, carrying his own bag, towing his swing coach Roger Retuerto.

Miñoza, still the best and richest Filipino golfer today, looked concerned while hitting a bucket of balls with his driver. He wore an elastic strap that kept his elbows closer together on his swing.

“His balls are slightly to the right. We’re trying to figure out why,” said Retuerto as Miñoza looked for the right swing that could keep him in the hunt for the P1.3 million top prize.

Miñoza was joined in the driving range by Angelo Que, the defending champion who fired a 68, and Artemio Mukarami, a former amateur sensation who had a 73.

Later on, despite a slight drizzle, they landed on the practice green where a handful more players were feeling their touch, each one hoping to catch the leader in the final three days of the tournament.

“Not a good round for me. Anything that’s over-par is not good. Juvic has the advantage. To score a 64, he played an exceptional round. But with three days left, anything can happen,” said Miñoza.

Pagunsan, who matched the course record, which he himself set during the 2005 SEA Games, is four up on Que, former champion Cassius Casas and Mars Pucay who had a 68.

But the leader said he expects tougher days ahead.

“It’s not a sure thing. The next days will be difficult. These are Tour winners right behind me. There’s Angelo Que, and Mr. Miñoza. I’m sure they will make their move. I better be ready,” said Pagunsan.

At 69 and five shots off the early pace were Rey Pagunsan, Jay Bayron and another former champion, Antonio Lascuna. Danny Zarate and Anthony Balan were next at 70 followed by Marvin Dumandan, Orlando Sumcad and Benjie Magada at 71.

Then there’s Miñoza, who is tied with Jerome Delariarte, an ex-champion here, and Marlon Dizon.

Elmer Salvador aced the 204-yard No. 6 using a five-iron and wound up with a 73 in a tie with Ruben Sasutil, Artemio Murakami and Carito Villaroman.