Southwoods zooms ahead in Fil-Championship

BAGUIO, Philippines — Manila Southwoods came out with its guns ablaze and turned a two-point deficit into a five-point advantage after two rounds of seniors competition in the 72nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitationals at the Camp John Hay Golf Club.

Veteran Jun Jun Plana used his extensive course knowledge to score 38 points with birdies on Hole Nos. 3, 6, 10 and 15 that negated a lone pick up on No. 7 while Raul Miñoza turned in a 32 and Manfred Guangko shot a 30. Jose Roy III’s 27 gave Southwoods 127 for the day and 248 total.

Luisita, out to regain the premier Fil-Championship division crown, got 33 from Benjie Sumulong, 31 from Marty Ilagan, 29 from Dan Cruz and 27 from Chino Raymundo for 120. However, they trail by five as action shifts to the short but tough Baguio Country Club course today.

“I believe the guys have already settled down after 36 holes. The battle now is how to manage our games in BCC. Apart from being good, it also helps to be lucky there. Sometimes, good shots are not rewarded and bad shots are rewarded,” said Southwoods captain Freddie Mendoza.

Mamala Bay pooled in 118 and occupied third with 224. Chris Howard was superb with 40 points but did not get solid support as Rusty Barfield made 28, Dale Jorgenson had 26 and Bill Connors contributed 24.

Over at BCC, Camp John Hay Team 1 has virtually pocketed the title in Fil-B after racing to a whopping 53-point lead against Baguio Country Club Team 1.

CJH assembled 96 points for 326 while BCC collected 85 for 273. Scorers for John Hay were Dai Tsuchiya with 26, John Marasigan 25, Villamor Bumanglag 23 and Bayani Tecson 22.