Fil-am invitational golf: Ventureslink expands lead to 4

BAGUIO, Philippines – AAV-Ventureslink-Robros assembled a 104 at the shorter but tougher Baguio Country Club to pad its lead to four over a charging Mizuno side in the third round of the Fil-Champ of the Fil-Am Invitational golf tournament here yesterday.

Raymund Gonzales Jr. turned in a three-over 64 worth 33 points to spearhead AAV-Ventureslink-Robros’ drive for the third straight day as the team pooled a 54-haul of 370 to move 18 holes away from completing a wire-to-wire finish in the premier side of the annual event.

“The course is easy but the greens are very difficult,” said the 17-year-old Gonzales, who flubbed four makeable birdie putts inside three feet. “My putting was terrible. I could have made more points.”

Former national amateur champion Rupert Zaragosa backed up Gonzales with 28 points while skipper Theody Pascual and Alimar Etrone chipped in 22 and 21 points, respectively.

With a 113 aggregate, counting his 39 and 41 points at the par-69 Camp John Hay layout, Gonzales virtually clinched the individual crown with a 13-point lead over his nearest rival. But the team championship remains a tossup as defending champion Mizuno Superstars continued their steady surge from near-bottom to second at 366 after a 107, just four behind.

“Our plan really worked. We wanted to move within three points off the leader and we did it,” said Mizuno leader King Stehmeier, who scored 24 points. Former pro Vince Lauron led the team with 30 points while Ace Stehmeier had a 29 and Raymond Sangil also made 24 points.

“The scores are really terrible and the 110 total which is the best today could be one of the worst scores here,” said Stehmeier.

Forest Hills fumbled with a 101 and remained in third with a 365 as In Jae Kim, Edsel Tan and Raffy Garcia each had 26 points and Jon Ho Kim added 23 markers.

Multi-titled Manila Southwoods turned in the day’s best of 110 for a 363 as Steve Yoon made 32 points, Jun Plana and John Kier Abdon each scored 27 points and Miko Yee added 24.

“I agree with him (Stehmeier) and it will be a neck-and-neck battle in the last round,” said Pascual, adding that Forest Hills and Southwoods could still make a bid for the crown with a solid finish.

“With Jun (Plana) and Yoon, I still believe that Southwoods could yet make it. We can not discount any of them,” said Pascual.

Meanwhile, Mamala Bay fired 94 points for a 438 and a 35-shot win over Dugong Bughaw, which closed out with a 103 for 403 in Fil B. Ultra Flite made a 98 for 398 for third place.