Hechanova sets pace in Senior Am

MANILA, Philippines - Mari Hechanova struggled with a 10-over-par 78 but still grabbed a one-stroke lead over two others on a challenging day in the opening round of the NGAP-Globe Business Philippine Senior Am championship at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club yesterday.

Hechanova, a Canlubang mainstay in the PAL Interclub, failed to hit a birdie while fumbling with two double bogeys and six bogeys. But his 78 proved enough to set the pace in the event backed by Pancake House, Titleist and Golf Depot.

Cangolf teammates Bing Bunye and Tony Olives both carded 79s for joint second while Francis Gaston and Dave Hernandez groped for form all day.

Gaston, a former champion, skied to an 85 like Minying Maravilla while Hernandez, the World Amateur veteran and manager of the Calatagan Golf Club, made an 86.

Rolly Viray, the 2005 champion, turned in an 83 even as Luisita standouts Lino Magpantay and Rudy Amata shot 80s like Danny Morales to be in the mix.

“The pin placements were very difficult, and it was really a struggle for all of us out there,” Viray, who also held the regular Phl Am championship once, said.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos was the Super Senior pacesetter after shooting a 91 for a net 69 and a two-stroke lead over Jun Iñigo and another shot up on Jun Galindez.

Manfred Guangco and Ricky Velasco set the pace in the Mid-Am field with 76s, with Iñigo Bilbao shooting an 85 to be in third.