Benitez rules Class A in Sta. Lucia Amateur Open series

MEXICO, Pampanga, Philippines – Tomas Julio Benitez of Orchard came through with a four-over 74 in the final round for a three-stroke victory over Eagle Ridge’s Jung Kyung-young in men’s Class A at the close of the Sta. Lucia Amateur Open Series held at Beverly Place Golf Club yesterday.

Benitez, who trailed by two after the first round, made the turn with an even 34, thanks to an easy birdie on the ninth, but struggled a bit in the inward 40 for that 74 and 154 total. 

Jung matched that and wound up with a 157 to settle for a runner-up finish while Rancho Palos Verdes, the opening day leader, limped with an 83 for 161 to place third.

Riane Casquejo, also from Orchard, returned with an 83 that went with his 75 for 158 and the win in Class B.  Walter Lacuesta of Summit Point was a far second with 83 and 172 in the event sponsored by Wilcon Depot, Pomelo Tee, Davies Paints, Mizuno and Kang Ho Bong.

Jaime Tan Sr. saved the day for the Davaoeños, who led in three of four divisions on Friday, when he triumphed in the seniors’s category with 156 after a 79.  Lee Tong-hwa (79-157) of Eagle Ridge missed a five-foot, bogey-save that would have set up a playoff with Tan.

 Laia Barro churned out a 79 for 163 to nail the ladies Class A plum off RPV’s Maricel Kim (83-167) in the series that was backed by ICTSI, Alpha Quality Express, Dizon, Ecostrong, Texas Eagle, Isuzu Phils., Rub Rubs & BBQ, VMJ Evergreen, U-Freight, Microtel by Wyndham and WGC Golf.