Southwoods storms to 5-pt lead

BAGUIO, Philippines – Manila Southwoods turned in a solid start both in the Fil and Am Championship divisions of the 66th Fil-Am Golf Invitational tournament presented by San Miguel, posting a pair of five-point leads at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses here yesterday.

Kristoffer Arevalo shot 33 points as the Carmona-based squad pooled a 127 to open its title-retention drive with a five-point margin over San Miguel-Northern Cement in the premier Fil Championship.

Justin Quiban, the defending individual champion, and Yuto Katsuragawa carded 32 points apiece while Ryan Monsalve added 30 points and Chepe Dulay failed to count with a 29 in the five-to-play, four-to-count format event backed by Toyota.

San Miguel drew a pair of 33s from Rupert Zaragoza and Lanz Uy while Jelbert Gamolo and John Philip Claro added 29 and 27 points, respectively, for the team’s 122 aggregate. Meynard Ko did not count with a 23.

Guamanians Che’Lus surprised the field and took the third spot with a 116 built around Louie Sunga’s 31 points, Ray Blas’ 29, and Mike Castro and Daryl Poe’s identical 28 markers.

Luisita Golf, making its return to the annual event after 20 years, struggled to assemble a 112 in a tie with Royal Northwoods. Jobim Carlos, who beat Zaragoza to claim the Philippine Amateur Stroke Play title and Canlubang Amateur Open crown, dished out the day’s best 34 points, equivalent to a two-over card at the short but tricky BCC course.

Forest Hills, Mizuno Evercode and Surigao took the next three spots with 110, 107 and 106, respectively.

“We came here with a balanced team and we thank the Southwoods board for its full support to our boys who all have the potential,” said team captain Thirdy Escaño,

Southwoods also set the pace in the Am Championship team with a 135, five ahead of Batangas Barakos.

Veteran Junjun Plana sizzled with a tournament-best seven under 62 at John Hay for a 43, while Ira Alido had a 35 and Ivan Monsalve and Jordan Mamaril shot 29 and 28, respectively, for the Southwoods Am squad.

Batangas got an even-par 36 from Gary Sales, while Ricky delos Santos, Gerald Katigbak and Jose Iñigo chipped in 34, 31 and 29 points, respectively. Mizuno Evercode and Valley Golf shared third spot with 129s, six behind Southwoods.

Escaño has stressed the need for his wards to stay focused “because anything can happen especially at the BCC.”

“This is a very tough competition, the toughest in years and we have here the best Philippine amateur players and we are lucky to have some of these boys, who are the future of national golf,” said Escaño.

Despite trailing in the early going, San Miguel, which ruled the seniors play last week, remains upbeat of its chances.

“It’s a long tournament. We still have 54 holes left,” said San Miguel team manager Bobby Iñigo.

Meanwhile, Jeric Hechanova said he just wants more exposure for his young Luisita team composed of players as young as 13 to 17 years old.

“This is a very young team. A podium finish is already good for us,” said Hechanova.

Meanwhile, Camp John Hay scored 104 points to take charge in Fil-B competition with a 205 total for a 10-point lead over BCC.

Fred Puckett submitted 29 points while Monet Garcia and Shean Bedi made similar 26s and Pol Mayos added 23 points.

BCC drew a 27 from Euls Austin, while Goodie Ignacio, Jjef Razon and Bong Mandapat tossed in 26, 22 and 21 points, respectively, for the team’s 96 and a 195, three off Che’Lus I and San Miguel, which shot a 94 and 98, respectively, for 192s.