Abaring tops PGT Q-School

MANILA, Philippines - Richard Abaring closed out with a second straight 68 to edge Ramil Bisera by one for the low medal honors in the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Aoki course in Cavite yesterday.

Abaring shot six birdies against two bogeys to post a second four-under card for a 72-hole total of 286 as he led 49 others who regained their Tour cards after missing the Top 40 in the recently concluded 2015 PGT season. Abaring wound up 79th.

Bisera birdied two of the last three holes to card a 71 and settled for second at 287 while Danny Zarate finished third with a 291 after a 73 in the four-day tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Jobim Carlos, who humbled the pros and topped last year’s Q-School but stayed as an amateur, ended up fourth at 292 after a 69 but will surely join the pros this time. Junro Mamaril and Belem Arancon tied for fifth at 293 after a 69 and 70, respectively.

Jovanie Abaño shot a 71 for a 294 while Artemio Murakami wound up eighth at 296 despite a 77 and Miko Alejandro and Chris delos Santos tied at 297 after a 70 and 76, respectively.

Gerald Rosales, a former Phl Open champion, turned in a 73 and also secured his card after finishing tied for 11th at 298 with Al Cruz and Nelson Huerva, who shot a 75 and 76, respectively.

Four other amateurs made the grade with Justin Quiban of Southwoods rallying with a 68 for joint 23rd at 304, Joel Yamyamin ending up tied for 43rd at 309 after a 72; Gary Sales placing joint 46th at 310 after 77 and Nico Evangelista sharing 48th at 311 after a 78.

Meanwhile, the Q-School for foreign players will be held Feb. 3-6 at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan. For details, visit www.pgt.ph.