BAGUIO, Philippines — Paolo Wong fired an eagle-aided 39 points and the Camp John Hay Golf Club Team 1 held sway with a three-shot lead over Eastridge in Fil A at the start of the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational regular competition at Camp John Hay.
Wong canned in four birdies on Nos. 4, 8, 14 and 16 to negate his three bogeys but his biggest highlight was a 15-yard chip-in for eagle on the 10th hole.
Together with the 31s of Melchor Rabanes and Emilio Curran and 29 of Ranz Balay-Odao, the host club posted 130 points.
“We are pleased to have the lead against the many talented teams. The boys are ecstatic especially on Paolo’s wonderful score. We used our home court advantage,” said CJHGC skipper Leo Corpuz.
Eastridge, featuring some of the best junior golfers, assembled 127 as Ralph Batican paced with 36. Other scorers were Vito Sarines with 34, Armand Copok 31 and Harry Sales 26. Jared Saban, one of the youngest players in Fil Am history at 11 years old, failed to count with his 25.
Forest Hills Team 1 later matched 127 to tie Eastridge at second. The Antipolo-based club was led by Rocky Co’s 37 and was backed up by Don Breganza’s 34, Pierre Ticzon’s 32 and Adrian Romero’s 24.
In the Am-A at Baguio County Club, Team Master was the front runner with 96 points. Time Cargo Logistics Team 2 and Forest Hills Team 2 were tied for second with 93 each.
Roy Abalos made 27, Victor Antigua had 25, Olan delos Santos contributed 24 and Felix Sorra added 20 for Team Master.
Leading the way for Time Cargo’s was Richard delos Santos with 30.