Clavecilla opens six-peat bid in Phl Seniors

MANILA, Philippines -  Iggy Clavecilla sets out for his sixth straight championship in the Philippine Senior Amateur Golf Championships at Riviera’s Couples course in Silang, Cavite, confident of his chances against the very same field he has dominated the last five years.

Clavecilla drew fellow Alabang bet Caloy Coscolluela, club bet Pepot Iñigo and Del Monte’s Leo Lagumbay in the fourth flight on No. 1 at 8 a.m., somewhat easing up the pressure with chief rival Francis Gaston grouped in the earlier flight with Jose Mari Hechanova and Dave Hernandez of Canlubang and Macky Bienes of Del Monte.

Around 70 golfing seniors are vying in various divisions of the event, including those in the premier Open category. Other events on tap are Category II (60-64), Category III (65-69), Super Senior I (70-74), Super Senior II (75-79) and Super Senior III (80-and-above).

Former President Fidel V. Ramos and National Golf Association of the Philippines president Leandro Mendoza will hit the ceremonial drive to kick off this year’s staging of the event conducted and organized by NGAP.

FVR, representing Riviera, is also competing in Super Senior III and is bunched with Alabang’s Jun Galindez and NGAP’s Jun Arceo in the first flight on No. 1.

Clavecilla pounced on Gaston’s costly error in the third playoff hole to extend his domination of the event last year. Gaston, the former national champion, hit a wrong ball in the rough in their fourth stint on No. 18 and eventually conceded the crown.

Out to foil Clavecilla’s record bid are Rolly Viray, another former national titlist, Bing Bunye and Tony Olives of Canlubang, Del Monte’s Pili Sison and Jun Balagot,Valley Golf’s Bong Vilchez, Lino Magpantay of Mt. Malarayat and Florene delos Santos.

Up for grabs in the age group competitions, to be played over 36 holes today and on Friday, are the gross and net titles. Categories II, III and the Super Seniors will be played from the white tees.