Damasus Wong keys Canlubang’s 4-point Philippine Airlines Interclub lead

BACOLOD, Philippines —Damasus Wong played the back nine in even par as Canlubang pooled 150 points to seize a four-point lead over Luisita at the start of the 32nd Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships yesterday.

Three-over at the turn, Wong, 55, made one birdie against a lone bogey and parred the rest to finish with the day’s best 51 points at the Marapara course.

With brothers Abe and Pem Rosal adding 50 and 49 points, respectively, Canlubang took control with a 150 aggregate. Zaldy Villa did not count with 48.

Luisita opened with 146 points – a good score as far as non-playing skipper Jeric Hechanova is concerned.

“We’re happy with the score. My hat off to Canlubang for that very good score,” said Hechanova.

Edmund Yee shot 50 points and Rodel Mangulabnan added 49. The 47 of either Jingy Tuason or Chino Raymundo counted.

“Last year was a fluke,” said Canlubang non-playing captain Tony Olives, referring to its worst ever score of 124 at the Apo Golf Club in Davao last year. “We made sure it won’t happen again.”

“I didn’t hit too many fairways, but managed to save a lot of pars,” said Wong, whose 51 was eight points better than what he scored last year in the first round.

Abe Rosal, last year’s individual champion, was in his usual reliable self, edging younger brother Pem by a point.

“He (Abe) always beats me like a drum,” said Pem, a physician based in Delaware State. “Abe called me last year and asked me if I can play for Canlubang. Of course, I replied.”

Away from the country for nearly 30 years, Pem said he was shocked the first time he played Marapara.

“The wind was nothing like in the States. The course is also too tight and narrow. In fact, I didn’t break 90 during practice,” he said.

Pem paid tribute to Canlubang pro Jun Bernis who carried his bag. “He was a big help,” he said.

Cangolf and Luisita are expected to field in fresh legs on Saturday at Binitin.

“We expected Canlubang to field both Rosals because of what happened last year,” said Hechanova. “I feel we’re going to get stronger as the tournament wears on.”

Lost in what is shaping up as another Canlubang-Luisita showdown was Del Monte Golf Club which sits 18 points off the pace with 132.

Scoring for Del Monte were Ondoy Mondilla 48, Arnido Callo 43 and Virgilio Adag 41.