Romano cops Highlands Ladies plum

MANILA, Philippines - Marissa Romano shot a net 71 then nipped Caret Ricamonte in the countback to capture the ladies crown while Bart Borja took the low gross title in the seventh Highlands Ladies Cup at Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club recently.

Romano, a mainstay of the Orchard team in WGAP circuit, made a gross 83 and leaned on her two birdies to edge Sta. Elena’s Ricamonte, who turned in a gross 75 for a net 71, for the top plum in the 18-hole tournament hosted by the Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter.

Borja, a 4-handicapper, fired a gross 74 to claim the low gross honors while Raul Ilagan took the low net crown with a 67 from a gross 76 in the event backed by Diamond sponsor Mercedes-Benz and Platinum sponsors Security Bank, W Group Inc., Pacific Online and San Miguel Corp.

Juancho Subagan bagged the Group A title in men’s play with a 77 for a net 68, beating Boy Alcantara, who had a net 69 from a gross 78, while Andrew Tan made a 95 for a net 72 to nip Fred Espino, also had a net 72 from a gross 94, in the countback for Group B.

The event was supported by gold sponsors Pilipinas Shell, Philippine Air Lines and Baron Travel Inc. and silver backers Bingo Bonanza, Cignal TV, Comworks, Samsung, Sexy Curves Slimming Center, Smart Communications Inc., SM Primeholdings, PCSO and Branded Lifestyle Inc.

Philip Jamlang claimed the Group C diadem with a net 73 from a gross 105 with Hector Leyeza finishing second with a net 74 from a gross 105.

Subagan also ran away with the longest drive honors (321 yards) with Ricamonte taking the ladies award (196 yards) and Michael Macatangay winning the nearest to the pin and Ikuko Kito hitting most accurate drive on No. 11 in the event also held as a fund-raiser for the Sisters of Mary boys and girls town center in Silang, Cavite.

On hand to grace the event were Felix Ang, president of CATS Motors, Willie Ocier, vice-chairman of Belle Corp., Inquirer CEO Marixi Prieto and THLC skipper Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, who hit the ceremonial drives.