Pagunsan’s lead nearly blown by the wind

CANLUBANG – Almost gone with the wind.

Juvic Pagunsan’s four-stroke lead in the P4.5 million The Country Club Invitational was chopped down to two as the winds blew hard and left the lanky first-round leader swaying with a two-over-par 72.

After a bogeyless opening round of 64, which tied his own course record set in 2005, the 29-year-old Pagunsan yesterday had four bogeys against only two birdies for a two-day total of 136.

Pagunsan sank long, difficult putts on the last two holes, one for birdie on the par-3 17th and another for par on the par-4 18th to keep his head above water with two days left in the tournament.

Only two of the 40 competing players, representing the country’s finest pros and amateurs, managed an even-par round on a sunny but very windy day.

One of two even-par rounds belonged to Mars Pucay, who started the day four strokes behind Pagunsan but will answer the third round just two shots behind and carrying some momentum.

Later on, at the clubhouse, Pagunsan said he’s beginning to feel the pressure.

“I’m scared. I’m pressured,” said Pagunsan, half-joking.

Then he turned serious, and said, “Losing two strokes is a big thing for me. You can easily lose two strokes in one hole here especially if the winds are strong. It’s time to practice.”

After his round, Pagunsan did stay behind and practiced, spending more than an hour with his pitching.

Pucay, a 13-year-pro and three-time winner last year, had a 70 marked by four birdies on Nos. 1, 5, 15 and 17 and the same number of bogeys on Nos. 9, 10, 12 and the par-4 18.

Pucay said he likes where he is right now.

“Two down with two days is okay for me. As long as I’m within striking distance I’m fine. Tabi-tabi lang naman kami sa itaas. Hindi malaki ang gap,” he said as he shared a table for lunch with Pagunsan.

In solo third after a 70, the only other even-par round for the day, was Rey Pagunsan, who stood at 139, followed by Antonio Lascuna (71), Jay Bayron (71) and Cassius Casas (72) at 140.

Gene Bondoc is next at 142 after a 74 tailed by Ferdie Aunzo (73), defending champion Angelo Que (75) and Benjie Magada (72) at 143. Bondoc and Aunzo are amateurs playing like pros.

A few steps behind were Danny Zarate, Gerald Rosales, Marlon Dizon, Raymund Sangil, Anthony Balan, Elmer Salvador and Frankie Miñoza, the great star who had a 75 after a 72.

Miñoza is just taking things as they come. He was unavailable for comment, leaving the clubhouse after finishing a fruit platter, and going straight to the practice green.

He needed to after three straight bogeys coming home.

He had three-putts on the seventh, eighth and ninth holes to end up 11 huge strokes off the lead.

Twenty-one pros and seven amateurs made the cut.

The biggest name in the list of casualties was Robert Pactolerin who had two straight 75s, and was beaten by Jun Rates in the countback after they fell tied for the last spot at 150.

Richard Sinfuego (74) and former champion Jerome Delariarte (79) also failed to make the cut, not as fortunate as amateurs Anya Tanpinco, Chihiro Ikeda, Anthony Fernando, Rufino Bayron and Dante Biciera.