Baguio City—Bibak New York leaned on Lindsey Hora and Donnie Leonor as the couple fired an identical 27 at the Camp John Hay course to give the team 84 points and a five-shot lead as games started in the Regular Fil G of the 69th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament today (Dec. 1).
Jimmy Martin added 20, while Reggie Reyna chipped in 10 to count for the New York based locals as they take a five-shot lead on AK Amigos, which made 79, thanks to the 23 of Danny Wong.
Eaglemasters got a 32 from Chris Tan to stay five shots down with 74.
Over at the Baguio Country Club layout, AMG Yokosuka mustered 80 points to take a three-shot lead in Am G. Cris Christobal led AMG with 26, Neon Corpuz wound up with 23, while Roddy Marcos and Moises Lovinana counted with 16 and 15, respectively.
IGC Tugegarao had 30 points from Neil Ruelan for a 77 to take second spot, while Sandigan Golfers netted 66 points that is good for third spot.
Focus tomorrow will be on the Seniors’ Fil Championship flight at the CJH course, where Eddie Bagtas will try to lead Luisita to its second straight title.
The former pro will utilize his long game in the longer fairways of the par 69 course in an attempt to take a good lead prior going to the shorter par 61 BCC layout.
Bagtas thrives at the longer CJH course even as he has been bemoaning the short and tricky BCC greens.
Meanwhile, Manila Southwoods gained an additional firepower with Tommy Manotoc teeing off for the Carmona, Cavite-based parbusters as they try to give defending champion Luisita a run for their money.
“With Tommy (Manotoc), the team got stronger and with three more guys like Theody Pascual, among others, we will expect to give Luisita a good fight,” said Feddie Mendoza, who will see action in the Senior Am Championship flight of Southwoods.
Some 250 teams composed of 1,300 players will see action in the two week Fil-Am competition presented by San Miguel and backed by Toyota which will give two Toyota Rush for the hole in one prize and Toyota Wigo for the raffle.
“So far, it is the biggest Fil-Am golf tournament,” said secretariat head Roanne Galicia.