MANILA, Philippines - Oscar Patricio and Bobby Chico claimed the overall championship but it was expat executive Chandramogan Anamirtham who became the toast of the tournament when he hit the hole-in-one jackpot in the 16th Founders Golf Invitational of the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite recently.
Patricio, known in the local golfing circles for his impersonation of Elvis Presley, rocked and rolled his way to victory with the help of his guest partner, Eagle Ridge golf director Chico, as the duo posted 85 aggregate points at the Palmer course and a bestball 54 at the Player for a chart-topping 139.
Their overall trophy, however, was in no way heavier than the Mercedes-Benz C-180 worth almost P3 million Chandramogan, president and general manager of Hitachi Global Storage Philippines and playing as guest of former jungolf standout Wolen Superal, drove home for hitting an ace on the fifth hole.
Chandramogan, a Malaysian of Indian descent also won a luxury car in the grand raffle draw in 2008. Ray Panlilio was another big repeat raffle winner who brought home a Hyundai Tucson after another car in 2009.
Solaire Resort and Casino served as the presentor of the Founders Invitational which gave away tournament and raffle prizes worth over P5 million. Major sponsors were Philippine Airlines, Banco De Oro - CLG/Visa, Sta. Lucia Realty, Kulinarya Global, CATS Motors and Hyundai Dasmariñas. Premium hole sponsors included Air21, Asiana Airlines, Orchard Property Marketing Corp., Security Bank Corp., The Turf Company and Shakey’s Pizza.
Jikjik Abdon and Steve Yoon won the low gross title with their 112 output. Division winners were Powie Tugade-Jed Rosero (132) in Group A, Frankie delos Santos-Cesar Lacuna (135) in Group B, Rose Quilacio-Medardo Reyes (131) in Group C and Carlos Alejandro-Manolo Antonil (139) in Group D. The sponsors division plum went to Dr. Eric Reyes and Emerson Santos (129).
Hole sponsors were Ayala Land Premier, Beneficial Life Insurance Co. Inc., Cross-link Electric and Construction Corp., EMR General Services Specialist, GG&A Clubshares, Globe Telecom, Nishino Leather Industry Inc., Tri Maritime Corp., Arch. Nelson Montealegre and Associates, EJJE Industrial.Sales, Emeritus Security and Maintenance System, F.D. Nolasco Enterprises, Great Depot, Inquirer Golf, International Heavy Equipment Corp., J-Ten Sports (Callaway), John Gil Catering. Joseph Server and Associates, Mizuno, Pacsports Philippines (Nike), RBN Kitchen World Supplies, SAP Build Enterprise, Trends and Technologies, and Western Sales Trading Co. (Phils.) Inc.