Late eagle lifts Fil-Briton in world jungolf elims

MANILA, Philippines – Fil-Briton Edward Reyes holed his pitch from 80 yards for an eagle on his 17th hole and lifted the Class A crown even as Miguel Tabuena posted the tournament-low total in winning Class B at the close Thursday of the Callaway Junior World qualifier at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club course in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

Starting from the back nine, Reyes sent his third shot on the par-5 eighth backspinning into the hole for an eagle that broke a tie with Jobim Carlos. Reyes went on to escape with a one-stroke victory, posting 74-378 against the 72-379 of Carlos.

Tabuena, the pride of the International School, wrapped up his Class B campaign with a 73 and the 90-hole qualifier’s lowest total of 359.

Regina de Guzman and Irina Gabasa topped Class A and Class B, respectively, with plenty to spare and joined a group of 36 players who earned their slots in the Philippine delegation to the Junior World championships this coming July.

Philippine Airlines executive Nikki Gozon handed out round-trip tickets to Los Angeles to the event’s 12 division champions together with Gerry Handog and Beng dela Paz, chairman and president, respectively, of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

The Jungolf summer circuit is also supported by Diamond Motors Corp., Club Marinduque, Unilever, Ottica Corp.,/Fury, Callaway/ Electrobus, Goin Straight, Golf Depot, Powerade/Coca-Cola and Aces Agri Manufacturing Corp.

Tabuena will lead the country’s bid in the Asia-Pacific championships this month in Bangkok, Thailand.