Dottie Ardina capped another successful week by Filipino golfers in Thailand, closing out with a three-under 70 and posting a seven-stroke romp over ICTSI teammate Andrea Unson in the True Visions-Singha International Junior Golf Championship in Thailand Thursday.
Ardina turned up the heat midway in the final round at the par-73 Royal Green Valley Golf Club in Rayong, hitting five birdies in an 11-hole stretch as she turned a two-over card into a three-under total to dominate the premier Division A (15-20 years old) field.
Counting his early 73-76 rounds, Ardina pooled a 219 while Unson closed out with a two-over 75 and finished second with a 226, completing another 1-2 finish by the Phl bets one week after Dabawenya Chihiro Ikeda nipped Ardina and Lovelynn Guioguio for the Thailand Ladies Open last week.
First day leader Xiyu Lin of China failed to recover from a second round 84 with a 74 as she settled for third with a 230 while Thai Nattapun Siritrai made a 78 for fourth at 236 and another local bet Chayanid Prapassarangkul placed fifth with a 237 after a 74.
“Dottie had a slow start but she turned it up midway. Her yardage control was really good and she putted well,” said JR Tanpinco, assistant coach of the ICTSI golf squad.
Daniella Uy, however, failed to make it a sweep for the Phl bets as she settled for second in Division B (13-14) with a 74 and a 227, seven shots behind Benyapa Niphatsophon of Thailand, who fired a one-under 72 for a 220.PR
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pagunsan wavers but clings to 1-shot lead
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| JAY BAYRON OF DAVAO CITY. |
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| JUVIC PAGUNSAN OF BACOLOD CITY. |
Juvic Pagunsan bucked a shaky windup at the front, settling for a two-under 70 that proved enough to put him on a familiar place halfway through the P1 million ICTSI Royal Northwoods Championship at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan, Thursday.
Pagunsan, who shared the first day scoring honors with Jobim Carlos with 66s, shook off the top amateur’s challenge early on, firing a bogey-free 33 at the back and adding another birdie on No. 1. But he bogeyed two of the next three holes and scrambled for a couple of pars to save a 37 for that 70.
With an eight-under 136, however, Pagunsan moved into the threshold of victory although he will have to contend with the very player who beat him for the Order of Merit crown on the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour on his home course in Canlubang last year.
Dabawenyo Jay Bayron joined Pagunsan in the championship flight on Friday by firing a similar 70 in one of the late afternoon flights, staying within a stroke at seven-under 137 heading into the final round of the 54-hole tournament sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Bayron, winner of the inaugural Aboitiz Invitational in Cebu and the Cangolf leg last year, banged in four birdies against a bogey in a fiery backside stint that shot him into contention for the top P200,000 purse.
“I'm not satisfied with my putting but my approach shots clicked," said Bayron, who missed the cut in the One-Asia tournament in Indonesia last week.
Anthony Fernando, the former national champion still in search of a breakthough win in the pro ranks, blew the chance to join flightmate Pagunsan at the helm as he double-bogeyed the par-4 No. 8. He wound up with a 70 for a 138 and will play with Pagunsan for the third straight day.
Brand new pro Carl Santos-Ocampo rallied with a sizzling 32 at the front, marred by a final hole bogey, as the Fil-Am bet shot the day’s best of 67 to force a tie at 139, just three strokes off Pagunsan.
Also pooling a five-under card is Kevin Tayao, who carded a 71, and Cassius Casas, who also had a 70, while Artemio Murakami, the reigning Philippine Open champion, also put himself into contention with a 140 after a 71.
"I believe that if can stay positive and keep playing the way I played today, I have a chance of winning my first title in my first tournament as a pro," said the 23-year-old Santos-Ocampo, a Finance major at University of Notre Dame in the US and product of the ICTSI program headed by Bong Lopez.
Carlos never recovered from back-to-back bogey start, fumbling with three more bogeys against two birdies for a 75 and a 141 in a tie with Elmer Saban, who had 70, former national amateur champion Mhark Fernando, who hobbled with a 74, and Elmer Salvador, who stumbled with a 73.
“It was a terrible round," said the 18-year-old Carlos. "Although I'm already far behind, I'll try to come out with a good final round score and maybe catch up with them."
Gerald Rosales and Gene Bondoc stood at 142 after a 72 and a 70, respectively while Marvin Dumandan fumbled with a 75, Tony Lascuna carded a 71 and Danny Zarate fired a 70 for 143s.
The top 40 players, excluding the amateurs, made the cut going into today's third and final round in this event backed MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports, Omnisource International, Unilab, Mizuno, Titleist.PR
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Juvic, Jobim share lead with 66s
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| Dabawenyo Elmer Salvador. |
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| Bacolodnon Juvic Pagunsan. |
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| Dabawenyo Jay Bayron. |
Juvic Pagunsan of Bacolod birdied No. 18 to complete a bogey-free round of six-under 66 and catch unlikely co-leader amateur Jobim Carlos at the start of the P1 million ICTSI Royal Northwoods Championship at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan, Wednesday.
Humbled by the bespectacled Carlos in a virtual shootout at the front in one of the late afternoon flights, Pagunsan whisked off the top amateur’s challenge and holed out with a six-foot birdie putt for a pair of 33s and a share of the lead in the 54-hole tournament.
Carlos, priming up for the Philippine Amateurs two weeks from now, outgunned the veteran Pagunsan with five birdies against a bogey in a solid frontside stint and took a one-shot lead with three birdies against another bogey heading to the par-4 18th.
But he settled for a share of the lead, one stroke ahead of Jay Bayron and Mhark Fernando, while 22 others also broke par at the par-72 layout that virtually lay defense-less in the absence of the wind.
Bayron, the reigning Order of Merit winner, birdied two of the last three holes at the front, the backside of his game, while Fernando rallied with a 32, also at the front, for a pair of 67s.
A shot adrift at 68s were Anthony Fernando, the third player in the Pagunsan flight, unfancied Kevin Tayao, Elmer Salvador and defending champion Marvin Dumandan of Davao City as the favorites played true to form to put themselves in contention for the top P200,000 purse in the tournament sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
But while Pagunsan was expected to shine, Carlos provided the big surprise in the kickoff leg of the 12-stage circuit.
He actually showed up Pagunsan right on the opening hole, which he birdied then matched the latter’s three birdies in the next six holes to stay ahead. He dropped a stroke on No. 8 but bounced back with another birdie on the ninth for a 32.
Carlos, who led the Phl team’s runaway triumph in last year’s Lion City crown of the Putra Cup, matched Pagunsan’s back-to-back birdies from No. 13, bogeyed No. 16 but birdied the next to keep a one-shot lead going to the 18th.
Artemio Murakami, the reigning Philippine Open champion, shot a 69 to lead the group that includes Randy Garalde, Cassius Casas, Michael Bibat and Tomokazu Yoshinaga, while Gerald Rosales, Al Cruz, Juanito Pagunsan, Ramil Bisera, Albin Engino and Joenard Rates churned out identical two-under 70s.
Elmer Saban, Eddie Bagtas, Richard Abaring, Neil Catalan, Paul Echavez and former Phl Open winner Robert Pactolerin all carded 71s, five shots off the joint leaders.
The event is backed MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports, Omnisource International, Unilab, Mizuno, Titleist. For details on sponsorship, contact Colo Ventosa at 632(908-8842535 or ICTSI at (632)241-9661 or fax (632)2478002 or emailgolf@ictsi.com or colo@pgt.ph. PR
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Top guns begin hunt for fame, fortune
The ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour kicks off another year-long circuit over the country’s top championship courses beginning Wednesday, March 30 with the fancied pros and rising stars slugging it out in the P1 million ICTSI Royal Northwoods Championship at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan.
Davao's Marvin Dumandan, who nipped fellow Dabawenyo Tony Lascuna in a two-hole playoff to win the Northwoods crown last year, braces for another tight finish in the 54-hole tournament, which drew an elite cast that includes reigning Philippine Open champion Artemio Murakami, former Phl Open winner Elmer Salvador, Asian Tour campaigner Juvic Pagunsan and reigning Order of Merit champion Jay Bayron.
“I like my (title) chances this week. I’ve been hitting it well and with the right breaks, I think I have a good chance,” said Dumandan, who hopes to match or better his three-leg win last year, in Filipino.
But the power-hitting Davaoeno, who also won at Sherwood and Mimosa and finished second to Angelo Que in the recent The Country Club Invitational, faces a formidable challenge from the rest of the 84-player starting field all primed up for the top P200,000 purse.
The winner will also gain the confidence and momentum heading to next week’s second leg of the circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa, Batangas.
The event also marks the pro debut of former ICTSI-The Country Club mainstays Peter Villaber, Dante Becierra, Charles Hong, Erwin Madrileño and Fil-Am Carl Santos-Ocampo and ICTSI-Cangolf bet Jerson Balasabas.
Other backers of this year’s circuit are MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports, Omnisource International, Unilab, Mizuno, Titleist. For details on sponsorship, contact Colo Ventosa at 632(908-8842535 or ICTSI at (632)241-9661 or fax (632)2478002 or email golf@ictsi.com or colo@pgt.ph.
Also in the fold are former amateur hotshots Mhark Fernando and Jhonnel Ababa, Antonio Asistio II, Rufino Bayron, Jun Bernis, Michael Bibat, Cassius Casas, Rodrigo Cuello, Anthony Fernando, Cookie La’O, Benjie Magada, Robert Pactolerin, Rey Pagunsan, Gerald Rosales, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Carito Villaroman, Erwin Vinluan, Danny Zarate and 2009 winner Ferdie Aunzo.
Also seeing action are the country’s leading amateurs, headed by reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla, Jobim Carlos, Sonny Villaber, Zanie Boy Gialon and Art Arbole, who are honing up for the Philippine Amateurs slated April 12-15 at The Riviera in Silang, Cavite.
After the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat on April 6-8, action shifts to the Orchard in Dasmarinas, Cavite for the third leg on May 18-20 followed by the ICTSI Eastridge Classic at Eastridge in Binangonan on June 1-3.
The ICTSI Mt. Malarayat Championship, also a regular leg on the ASEAN Tour, will be the circuit’s fifth leg on June 15-18 followed by the ICTSI Midlands Classic on June 29-July 1.
Action goes to the Visayas on July 13-15 for the ICTSI Invitational at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Santa Barbara while Bacolod will stage the next leg on July 20-22 for another ICTSI Invitational tournament.
After a successful hosting last year, Cebu Country Club will again host the Aboitiz Invitational on Aug. 3-5 before the tour goes farther down south for the ICTSI Del Monte Championship on Aug. 24-26 at the Del Monte Golf Club.
Wack Wack, venue of this year’s Philippine Open, will host the penultimate leg in October while Canlubang will again be the tour’s final stop on Nov. 9-11 for the ICTSI Canlubang Golf Invitational.PR
Davao's Marvin Dumandan, who nipped fellow Dabawenyo Tony Lascuna in a two-hole playoff to win the Northwoods crown last year, braces for another tight finish in the 54-hole tournament, which drew an elite cast that includes reigning Philippine Open champion Artemio Murakami, former Phl Open winner Elmer Salvador, Asian Tour campaigner Juvic Pagunsan and reigning Order of Merit champion Jay Bayron.
“I like my (title) chances this week. I’ve been hitting it well and with the right breaks, I think I have a good chance,” said Dumandan, who hopes to match or better his three-leg win last year, in Filipino.
But the power-hitting Davaoeno, who also won at Sherwood and Mimosa and finished second to Angelo Que in the recent The Country Club Invitational, faces a formidable challenge from the rest of the 84-player starting field all primed up for the top P200,000 purse.
The winner will also gain the confidence and momentum heading to next week’s second leg of the circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa, Batangas.
The event also marks the pro debut of former ICTSI-The Country Club mainstays Peter Villaber, Dante Becierra, Charles Hong, Erwin Madrileño and Fil-Am Carl Santos-Ocampo and ICTSI-Cangolf bet Jerson Balasabas.
Other backers of this year’s circuit are MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports, Omnisource International, Unilab, Mizuno, Titleist. For details on sponsorship, contact Colo Ventosa at 632(908-8842535 or ICTSI at (632)241-9661 or fax (632)2478002 or email golf@ictsi.com or colo@pgt.ph.
Also in the fold are former amateur hotshots Mhark Fernando and Jhonnel Ababa, Antonio Asistio II, Rufino Bayron, Jun Bernis, Michael Bibat, Cassius Casas, Rodrigo Cuello, Anthony Fernando, Cookie La’O, Benjie Magada, Robert Pactolerin, Rey Pagunsan, Gerald Rosales, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Carito Villaroman, Erwin Vinluan, Danny Zarate and 2009 winner Ferdie Aunzo.
Also seeing action are the country’s leading amateurs, headed by reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla, Jobim Carlos, Sonny Villaber, Zanie Boy Gialon and Art Arbole, who are honing up for the Philippine Amateurs slated April 12-15 at The Riviera in Silang, Cavite.
After the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat on April 6-8, action shifts to the Orchard in Dasmarinas, Cavite for the third leg on May 18-20 followed by the ICTSI Eastridge Classic at Eastridge in Binangonan on June 1-3.
The ICTSI Mt. Malarayat Championship, also a regular leg on the ASEAN Tour, will be the circuit’s fifth leg on June 15-18 followed by the ICTSI Midlands Classic on June 29-July 1.
Action goes to the Visayas on July 13-15 for the ICTSI Invitational at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Santa Barbara while Bacolod will stage the next leg on July 20-22 for another ICTSI Invitational tournament.
After a successful hosting last year, Cebu Country Club will again host the Aboitiz Invitational on Aug. 3-5 before the tour goes farther down south for the ICTSI Del Monte Championship on Aug. 24-26 at the Del Monte Golf Club.
Wack Wack, venue of this year’s Philippine Open, will host the penultimate leg in October while Canlubang will again be the tour’s final stop on Nov. 9-11 for the ICTSI Canlubang Golf Invitational.PR
Sunday, March 27, 2011
R Northwoods hosts PGT kickoff leg
Royal Northwoods, a gem of a course in San Rafael, Bulacan, gets the honor to host Wednesday’s (March 30) opening leg of this year’s ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour , a 12-stage circuit offering a total prize fund of P12 million and featuring the cream of the country’s pro crop.
Spruced up to championship condition, the par-72 Graham Marsh-designed layout is expected to provide a true test of golf for the competing 84-pro field with its tight dog-leg fairways that require accuracy off the tee and bunkers and hazards that come into play on most holes.
With the speed of the greens and pin placement expected to baffle the pros, a wide open race for top honors is seen the way it did when Dabawenyo Marvin Dumandan needed two extra holes to nip townmate Tony Lascuna for last year’s crown at Northwoods.
Dumandan went on to emerge the winningest player on the tour last year with three wins, counting his title romps at ICTSI-Sherwood and ICTSI-Mimosa. But the rest of the field will be out to foil his title-retention drive and build some kind of momentum for another busy golf season.
The Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. has lined up a full calendar of events offering P 1 million each to be disputed over 54 holes at the championship courses in the country. It includes five new layouts – the Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, which hosts the fourth leg on June 1-3, the Tagaytay Midlands, the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, the Bacolod Golf and Country Club and Wack Wack.
Meanwhile, the traditional pro-am 18-hole tournament will be held on Tuesday with top ICTSI officials and their guests seeing action alongside the leading pros and top amateurs.
From Northwoods, the circuit, sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports and Omnisource International, will head to Lipa, Batangas for the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat, while The Orchard in Cavite will stage the third leg on May 18-20 for the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship.
The ICTSI Mt. Malarayat, also a leg on the Mercedes Benz Tour, will be circuit’s fifth leg on June 16-18 while the ICTSI Midlands Classic will be held June 29-July 1.
Action shifts to the Visayas on July 13-15 for the ICTSI Invitational at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Santa Barbara while Bacolod will stage the next leg on July 20-22 for another ICTSI Invitational tournament.
After a successful hosting last year, Cebu Country Club will again host the Aboitiz Invitational on Aug. 3-5 before the tour goes farther down south for the ICTSI Del Monte Championship on Aug. 24-26 at the Del Monte Golf Club.
Wack Wack, venue of this year’s Philippine Open, will host the penultimate leg on a date still to be announced while Canlubang will again be the tour’s final stop on Nov. 9-11 for the ICTSI Canlubang Golf Invitational.PR
Spruced up to championship condition, the par-72 Graham Marsh-designed layout is expected to provide a true test of golf for the competing 84-pro field with its tight dog-leg fairways that require accuracy off the tee and bunkers and hazards that come into play on most holes.
With the speed of the greens and pin placement expected to baffle the pros, a wide open race for top honors is seen the way it did when Dabawenyo Marvin Dumandan needed two extra holes to nip townmate Tony Lascuna for last year’s crown at Northwoods.
Dumandan went on to emerge the winningest player on the tour last year with three wins, counting his title romps at ICTSI-Sherwood and ICTSI-Mimosa. But the rest of the field will be out to foil his title-retention drive and build some kind of momentum for another busy golf season.
The Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. has lined up a full calendar of events offering P 1 million each to be disputed over 54 holes at the championship courses in the country. It includes five new layouts – the Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, which hosts the fourth leg on June 1-3, the Tagaytay Midlands, the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, the Bacolod Golf and Country Club and Wack Wack.
Meanwhile, the traditional pro-am 18-hole tournament will be held on Tuesday with top ICTSI officials and their guests seeing action alongside the leading pros and top amateurs.
From Northwoods, the circuit, sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports and Omnisource International, will head to Lipa, Batangas for the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat, while The Orchard in Cavite will stage the third leg on May 18-20 for the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship.
The ICTSI Mt. Malarayat, also a leg on the Mercedes Benz Tour, will be circuit’s fifth leg on June 16-18 while the ICTSI Midlands Classic will be held June 29-July 1.
Action shifts to the Visayas on July 13-15 for the ICTSI Invitational at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Santa Barbara while Bacolod will stage the next leg on July 20-22 for another ICTSI Invitational tournament.
After a successful hosting last year, Cebu Country Club will again host the Aboitiz Invitational on Aug. 3-5 before the tour goes farther down south for the ICTSI Del Monte Championship on Aug. 24-26 at the Del Monte Golf Club.
Wack Wack, venue of this year’s Philippine Open, will host the penultimate leg on a date still to be announced while Canlubang will again be the tour’s final stop on Nov. 9-11 for the ICTSI Canlubang Golf Invitational.PR
Friday, March 25, 2011
Davao City's Ikeda nips Guioguio for Thai Ladies plum
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| Davao City's pride and ICTSI's best. |
Davao City's Chihiro Ikeda rallied from four shots down with two birdies in the last six holes then pounced on ICTSI teammate Lovelynn Guioguio’s triple-bogey mishap on the final hole to snatch a one-stroke victory in the Thailand Ladies Open at Bangkok Golf Club in Thailand Friday.
Ikeda also holed out with a bogey on the tough par-4 closing hole but her one-under 71 was enough to propel her to the win as she pooled a 54-hole aggregate of 214, adding the crown to her long list of victories that included a SEA Games gold medal and the Philippine Ladies Open crown last January.
Dottie Ardina, recent winner of the Queen Sirikit Cup individual title, fired a 70 and edged Guioguio in the countback for runner-up honors at 215. The second round leader hobbled home with a 73, blowing away her title bid with that final-hole meltdown.
“It’s nice to win again. I just stayed focused and never lost hope even if I fell behind by as many as four strokes at the back. I just kept on going,” said Ikeda.
Guioguio also kept going, even hiking her overnight one-shot lead to four after Ikeda three-putted No. 12 for double-bogey. But Guioguio dropped a stroke on the next hole which Ikeda birdied for a two-shot swing then yielded another stroke when she bogeyed No. 16 after missing the green.
Still, Guioguio took a one-shot lead heading to the 18th after both players birdied the 17th but she pulled her 3-wood tee shot into the water hazard and dumped her third shot into the greenside bunker, giving Ikeda the chance to steal the win.
The Fil-Japanese shotmaker reached the green in regulation but three-putted from 25 feet then watched Guioguio blow it all with a flubbed double-bogey putt from just about three-feet.
“It was a big win for Chihiro, who didn’t give up until the final hole. She was really determined to win this one even when she fell behind by four,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez.
Jayvie Agojo shot the day’s best score of four-under 68 as she took fourth place at 216 and capped the Filipina bets’ domination of the event. Thai Pinrath matched par 72 for fifth at 218 in a tie with Andie Unson, who had a 73.PR
Guioguio wrests 1-shot lead over Ikeda
Lovelyn Guioguio matched par 72 in tough playing condition and snatched a one-stroke lead over ICTSI spearhead Chihiro Ikeda in the second round of the Thailand Ladies Open at Bangkok Golf Club in Thailand Thursday.
Guioguio blew a two-under card after three holes with a wet double-bogey on No. 9 then banged in a delicate eight-footer for par on No. 18 to save a 36-36 round for a 142, counting her 70 in the first round of the 54-hole tournament.
Flawless with a 67 Wednesday, Ikeda turned in a flawed finish of 7 at the par-4 18th for a four-over 76, blowing an overnight three-shot lead and dropping to second at 143, one stroke behind Guioguio.
Andie Unson and Dottie Ardina also struggled with a 74 and 75, respectively, as they tied for third at 145 with Thai bet Savitree Thavong, who fired the day’s best score of two-under 70.
Jayvie Agojo carded a second straight 74 for a 148 while Daniella Uy also shot a 74 for a 154.
“While Ikeda struggled with her iron play in windy condition, Guioguio played just as steady except for her double-bogey mishap on No. 9,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez, referring to the new leader’s third shot at the par-5 No. 9 which she dumped into the big hazard guarding the green.
Lopez also noted the tough pin placements with the flags hidden either in the corner or behind the bunkers and slopes, ensuring a thrilling finish in Thailand’s premier amateur championship.
The Phl bets, meanwhile swept the team competition with ICTSI/Phl I side of Ikeda, Ardina and Agojo combining for a 149 and a 286 for a two-shot victory over ICTSI/Phl 2 team of Guioguio, Unson and Uy, which had a 289 after a 146.PR
Guioguio blew a two-under card after three holes with a wet double-bogey on No. 9 then banged in a delicate eight-footer for par on No. 18 to save a 36-36 round for a 142, counting her 70 in the first round of the 54-hole tournament.
Flawless with a 67 Wednesday, Ikeda turned in a flawed finish of 7 at the par-4 18th for a four-over 76, blowing an overnight three-shot lead and dropping to second at 143, one stroke behind Guioguio.
Andie Unson and Dottie Ardina also struggled with a 74 and 75, respectively, as they tied for third at 145 with Thai bet Savitree Thavong, who fired the day’s best score of two-under 70.
Jayvie Agojo carded a second straight 74 for a 148 while Daniella Uy also shot a 74 for a 154.
“While Ikeda struggled with her iron play in windy condition, Guioguio played just as steady except for her double-bogey mishap on No. 9,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez, referring to the new leader’s third shot at the par-5 No. 9 which she dumped into the big hazard guarding the green.
Lopez also noted the tough pin placements with the flags hidden either in the corner or behind the bunkers and slopes, ensuring a thrilling finish in Thailand’s premier amateur championship.
The Phl bets, meanwhile swept the team competition with ICTSI/Phl I side of Ikeda, Ardina and Agojo combining for a 149 and a 286 for a two-shot victory over ICTSI/Phl 2 team of Guioguio, Unson and Uy, which had a 289 after a 146.PR
Davao's Ikeda, Phl bets dominate Thai Open
Davao's Chihiro Ikeda fired an eagle-spiked, bogey-free five-under 67 to post a three-shot lead over ICTSI teammates Lovelyn Guioguio and Dottie Ardina as the Filipinas dominated the first round action in the Thailand Ladies Open in Bangkok Wednesday.
Ikeda, the reigning SEA Games individual winner, used the 3-wood to keep the ball in play at the tight fairways of Bangkok Golf Club then came through with superb iron shots that set up birdies on Nos. 7, 11 and 15 inside 14 feet.
She then knocked down a 5-iron second shot from 170 yards to within five feet for eagle on the par-5 17th, capping her flawless 35-32 card for the lead in the 54-hole tournament.
“Chihiro played it according to plan, staying out of trouble with her 3-wood off the tee. The course isn’t playing long with hardened fairways but the problem is the rough on both sides of the fairway, so you have to keep the ball in play,” said ICTSI team mentor Bong Lopez.
Three shots off the pace was Guioguio, who bounced back from a two-over card in the early going with two birdies before matching Ikeda’s eagle on the reachable No. 17 for that 70.
Ardina, coming off a gold medal win in the individual side of the recent Queen Sirikit Cup, missed closing in on Ikeda with a couple of missed putts from six feet although she banged in an eight-footer for par on the 18th to save a round of 37-33.
Andie Unson shot a 71, Indonesia’s Jurian matched par 72 while Pinrath carded a 74 to emerge the top Thai scorer in a tie with Jayvie Agojo.
The Filipinas, whose campaign is sponsored by ICTSI, also lorded it over the field in team play as Phl Team 1, composed of Ikeda, Ardina and Agojo, pooled a seven-under 137 to lead Phl Team 2 of Guioguio, Unson and Daniella Uy by four. Thailand hobbled with a 149 as Dolnapa and Jupaporn settled for identical 75s, one of which counted in the three-to-play, two-to-count team event.PR
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
ICTSI backs 95th Phl Open at Wack Wack
The International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), a long-time
patron of Philippine golf, underscores its role as the sport¹s chief backer as it sponsors the Philippine Open slated May 12-15 at Wack Wack¹s East Course in Mandaluyong City.
The $300,000 event marks the return of the country¹s premier golf
championship, and Asia¹s oldest, to the Asian Tour calendar after a two-year absence and will serve as the seventh leg of this year¹s circuit with ICTSI as the event’s presentor.
"It has been our continuing commitment to help our pros improve not only their respective games but also boost their confidence," said ICTSI chairman Ricky Razon. "By playing alongside the leading players in Asia and other regions will give majority of our players a different kind of challenge."
ICTSI, host Wack Wack and the National Golf Association of the Phils., the country’s governing body for golf, worked hand in hand to raise the minimum prize fund according to Asian Tour’s standards. The other chief backers of the Phl Open are San Miguel Corp., Globe Telecoms and HSBC.
The Asian Tour's minimum prize for each leg is $300,000 while an additional $200,000 is needed for operations.
ICTSI has been supporting a number of Phl golfers on the Asian and European Tours, including Angelo Que, Juvic Pagunsan, Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna and last year¹s ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner Jay Bayron.
The world¹s leading port operator is also at the forefront of local pro golf through the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., which organizes the year-long, nationwide ICTSI-PGT circuit. It has also supported amateur golf since 2005 and just last year, added the jungolfers to its fold.
Although Murakami took last year¹s all-peso Philippine Open title at Valley Golf Club in Antipolo, it was Que who last won the Phl Open as an Asian Tour event in 2008, beating a crack international field, also at Wack Wack. Elmer Salvador won the other all-peso Phl Open title in 2009 at Mt. Malarayat.
The Philippine Open will be held after the rich $2.8 million Ballantine¹s
Championship on April 28-May 1 in Korea, a joint-sanctioned event by the Asian and European Tours.(pr)
patron of Philippine golf, underscores its role as the sport¹s chief backer as it sponsors the Philippine Open slated May 12-15 at Wack Wack¹s East Course in Mandaluyong City.
The $300,000 event marks the return of the country¹s premier golf
championship, and Asia¹s oldest, to the Asian Tour calendar after a two-year absence and will serve as the seventh leg of this year¹s circuit with ICTSI as the event’s presentor.
"It has been our continuing commitment to help our pros improve not only their respective games but also boost their confidence," said ICTSI chairman Ricky Razon. "By playing alongside the leading players in Asia and other regions will give majority of our players a different kind of challenge."
ICTSI, host Wack Wack and the National Golf Association of the Phils., the country’s governing body for golf, worked hand in hand to raise the minimum prize fund according to Asian Tour’s standards. The other chief backers of the Phl Open are San Miguel Corp., Globe Telecoms and HSBC.
The Asian Tour's minimum prize for each leg is $300,000 while an additional $200,000 is needed for operations.
ICTSI has been supporting a number of Phl golfers on the Asian and European Tours, including Angelo Que, Juvic Pagunsan, Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna and last year¹s ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner Jay Bayron.
The world¹s leading port operator is also at the forefront of local pro golf through the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., which organizes the year-long, nationwide ICTSI-PGT circuit. It has also supported amateur golf since 2005 and just last year, added the jungolfers to its fold.
Although Murakami took last year¹s all-peso Philippine Open title at Valley Golf Club in Antipolo, it was Que who last won the Phl Open as an Asian Tour event in 2008, beating a crack international field, also at Wack Wack. Elmer Salvador won the other all-peso Phl Open title in 2009 at Mt. Malarayat.
The Philippine Open will be held after the rich $2.8 million Ballantine¹s
Championship on April 28-May 1 in Korea, a joint-sanctioned event by the Asian and European Tours.(pr)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Top firms back ICTSI-PGT circuit
At least five firms have renewed their commitment to support this year’s ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour which kicks off its 12-leg next week at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan.
The International Container Terminal Services, Inc., a long-time patron of Philippine golf that has supported not only the pros but also the jungolfers and the amateurs, will again be this year’s title sponsor, putting at least P1 million in each but one of the legs spread over the country’s championship courses.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), one of the country¹s leading conglomerates with interests in food, banking and power, seeks to create long-term value for all its stakeholders as it agreed to again become the title sponsor of the Cebu leg in August for the Aboitiz Invitational.
The inaugural Aboitiz Invitational last year proved to be a huge success with the rare participation of the cream of the pro crop, including Frankie Minoza, Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan, Tony Lascuna, Artemio Murakami and eventual winner and Order of Merit champion Jay Bayron.
Other backers of this year’s circuit, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI), are Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports and Omnisource International.
Meanwhile, for details on sponsorship, contact Colo Ventosa at 632(908-8842535 or ICTSI at (632)241-9661 or fax (632)2478002 or emailgolf@ictsi.com or colo@pgt.ph.
With Srixon golf clubs, golfers have seen better scores and performance while Srixon balls, used by top PGA golfers like Vijay Singh and Karrie Webb, provide better flight for a golfer’s drive.
For almost three decades, Callaway has provided golfers the world over with performance equipment to boost their potential. Used by top Asian pros like Que, Callaway manufactures a long line of golf clubs for men, women and those at the junior golf level.
The leader in providing sports equipment and accessories, Dynamic Sports is geared towards providing products of the highest quality and efficiency. Carrying brands such as Titleist and Footjoy, Dynamic Sports is the number one choice for golfing needs.
The circuit fires off March 30-April 1 at Royal Northwoods with the second leg slated April 6-8 for the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa, Batangas followed by The ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on May 18-20 and the ICTSI Eastridge Classic on June 1-3. (pr)
The International Container Terminal Services, Inc., a long-time patron of Philippine golf that has supported not only the pros but also the jungolfers and the amateurs, will again be this year’s title sponsor, putting at least P1 million in each but one of the legs spread over the country’s championship courses.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), one of the country¹s leading conglomerates with interests in food, banking and power, seeks to create long-term value for all its stakeholders as it agreed to again become the title sponsor of the Cebu leg in August for the Aboitiz Invitational.
The inaugural Aboitiz Invitational last year proved to be a huge success with the rare participation of the cream of the pro crop, including Frankie Minoza, Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan, Tony Lascuna, Artemio Murakami and eventual winner and Order of Merit champion Jay Bayron.
Other backers of this year’s circuit, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI), are Srixon, Callaway, Dynamic Sports and Omnisource International.
Meanwhile, for details on sponsorship, contact Colo Ventosa at 632(908-8842535 or ICTSI at (632)241-9661 or fax (632)2478002 or emailgolf@ictsi.com or colo@pgt.ph.
With Srixon golf clubs, golfers have seen better scores and performance while Srixon balls, used by top PGA golfers like Vijay Singh and Karrie Webb, provide better flight for a golfer’s drive.
For almost three decades, Callaway has provided golfers the world over with performance equipment to boost their potential. Used by top Asian pros like Que, Callaway manufactures a long line of golf clubs for men, women and those at the junior golf level.
The leader in providing sports equipment and accessories, Dynamic Sports is geared towards providing products of the highest quality and efficiency. Carrying brands such as Titleist and Footjoy, Dynamic Sports is the number one choice for golfing needs.
The circuit fires off March 30-April 1 at Royal Northwoods with the second leg slated April 6-8 for the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa, Batangas followed by The ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on May 18-20 and the ICTSI Eastridge Classic on June 1-3. (pr)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Ardina bags title; Phl 2nd in Sirikit Cup
 |
| Dottie Ardina |
Dottie Ardina used a strong start and a solid finish to fire a two-under 70 and turn back world No. 1 Hyo Joo Kim to snatch the individual crown in the 33rd Queen Sirikit Cup at the Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi, India Friday.
The Philippines settled for runner-up finish to South Korea, which cruised to its fifth straight victory in team play. But Ardina stunned the field with her awesome game, finishing with a 211 and nipping the fancied Hyo by one in their battle for the individual crown.
“I really wanted to win that’s why I gave it my best shot,” said Ardina, who overcame a three-stroke deficit to beat Korea’s top player. “It’s just too bad that we fell short of our title drive in team play.”
But her victory more than made up for that failed team title bid as Ardina, a many-time Junior World champion, proved her worth and showed she can beat even the best player in world.
With ICTSI teammate Chihiro Ikeda of Davao City bouncing back with a 71 after a 78 in the second round, the Philippines closed out with a second straight 141 and a 429, four shots off Korea’s 425 aggregate in the 54-hole tournament among the leading teams in the Asia-Pacific region.
Jayvie Agojo, who counted for the team with a 71 in the second round, had a 74 and didn’t count for the squad, whose campaign was sanctioned by the Women’s Golf Association of the Phils. and sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
Hyo, who routed the field last year in New Zealand and the reigning World Amateur individual champion, cracked under pressure from Ardina and hobbled with a 74 for the team’s 143 output.
“The girls played very good today. They held their ground and bucked the pressure of playing with the fancied Koreans for the third straight day,” said national team coach and ICTSI mentor Bong Lopez.
“But it was a big win and a big boost for Dottie. By beating the world No. 1, I’m sure she’ll be winning big tournaments again,” said Lopez, whose wards also posted the country’s best finish at No. 8 in the World Amateurs last year while re-staking their claim as the top ladies team in Southeast Asia.
Ardina, 17, birdied the first three holes in impressive fashion to catch up with Hyo but dropped a shot on No. 4 and made the turn at 34. She three-putted No. 11 for another bogey and dropped two shots on the long par-3 12th when she pulled her 4-iron tee shot in the bushes.
But the veteran internationalist bounced back with birdies on Nos. 13 and 14 inside five feet and took a one-shot lead over the Korean ace heading to the par-5 18th. Hyo reached the green in two but flubbed an 18-foot eagle putt while Ardina laid it up and pitched to within five feet to match her rival’s birdie for the win.(pr)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Dabawenya, RP golfers open bid in Q Sirikit Cup
 |
| Chihiro Ikeda of Davao City. |
Chihiro Ikeda and Dottie Ardina hope to provide the experience and poise as they lead the Philippines against a crack field clashing for top honors in the 33nd Queen Sirikit Cup which got under way Wednesday at the Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi, India.
Ikeda, the reigning SEA Games individual gold medalist and winner of the recent Southern Ladies Open from Davao City, is making her fourth straight appearance in the annual event also known as the Asia-Pacific Golf Team Championship.
Ardina is back with the national squad, hopeful of a solid showing after fine-tuning her swing while former Phl Ladies Open winner Jayvie Agojo will be the Phl’s third player in the three-to-play, two-to-count format event featuring the leading teams in the Asia-Pacific region.
Lovelynn Guioguio, who ruled the WWW-DHL National Championship in Canlubang recently, is the team’s alternate.
The Filipina golfers, whose stint is sanctioned by WGAP (Women’s Golf Association of the Phils) and sponsored by ICTSI, had two practice rounds over the weekend, raring to make up for the team’s eighth place finish in New Zealand last year.
“This is probably one of the strongest teams we are fielding in this event and I am confident of a good showing," said national team coach Bong Lopez.
South Korea, which swept the team and individual honors last year, Australia, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei and host India have been tipped as the early favorites to vie for this year’s crown.
“The course is difficult with tight, hard fairways. If you miss the fairway, it’s an automatic lost ball since the shrubs lining up the fairway are so thick,” said Lopez, also the man at the helm of the ICTSI golf program. “They need to hit the fairways to score well although in some holes they would just need irons or rescue clubs to put the ball in position.”
He added that the putting surface is very undulating and fast and stressed the need for his wards to keep the ball in the proper side to set up birdie chances.
The Phl is pitted against Korea and China in the first round with Ikeda matching up with Korean national champion Ji Hee Kim at 7:30, Ardina with In Gee Chun and Xi YU at 7:40 a.m. and Agojo with Hyo Koo Kim, the defending individual champion, and Yan Jing at 7:50 a.m. (pr)
Friday, March 4, 2011
ICTSI-TCC bets pace Mindanao Am tilt
Zanie Boy Gialon of ICTSI-The Country Club rallied with an eagle-spiked six-under 66 to grab a two-stroke lead over ICTSI-Cangolf’s Art Arbole as erstwhile leader Banny Abaño faltered with a 75 halfway through the Mindanao Regional Amateur golf championship at the rain-drenched Del Monte Golf Club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
Six shots behind Abaño at the start of the round, Gialon made the most of the lift, clean and place format at the muddied layout and strung up four birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 18, highlighting his flawless round with a pitch-in eagle from 30 yards on the par-4 No. 6.
The 21-year-old Gialon thus seized the lead with a 139, including an opening 73, two clear off Arbole, who shot a two-under 70 for a 141.
Abaño, who led Del Monte to last week's PAL Men's Interclub romp with a 38-point production, struggled with a three-over 75 a day after firing a bogey-free 67 Tuesday as the club bet dropped to third with a 143 with two rounds left in the tournament which stakes all-expense paid stints to the Philippine Amateur slated at Riviera in Cavite next month.
Sarah Ababa, also of ICTSI-TCC, took charge in the ladies side of the event, carding a one-over 73 for a three-stroke lead over teammate Sheryl Villasencio and local bet Eva Minoza at the start of the 54-hole tournament, organized by the National Golf Association of the Phils. and backed by Del Monte, Callaway and Odyssey Golf.
Villasencio and Minoza turned in identical 76s while Daniella Uy, also of ICTSI, stood in fourth with a 77 followed by ICTSI’s Sunshine Baraquiel, Sun Choi and Kristin Leonen of Del Monte.
Clyde Mondilla, the reigning national champion, withdrew from the event to prepare for the first Montecillo International Junior Cup which starts March 7 at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa City, Batangas.
Leonard Lofranco, the other member of the victorious Del Monte team in the Interclub, shot a 71 for a 143 while Raymond Ja-raulla, also of ICTSI-TCC, matched par for the second straight day and stood five strokes off the lead at 144.
The top three players in the men's division that hail from the Mindanao region will get the free trips to the Philippine Am while the ladies side will offer two tickets to the national tilt.(pr)
Six shots behind Abaño at the start of the round, Gialon made the most of the lift, clean and place format at the muddied layout and strung up four birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 18, highlighting his flawless round with a pitch-in eagle from 30 yards on the par-4 No. 6.
The 21-year-old Gialon thus seized the lead with a 139, including an opening 73, two clear off Arbole, who shot a two-under 70 for a 141.
Abaño, who led Del Monte to last week's PAL Men's Interclub romp with a 38-point production, struggled with a three-over 75 a day after firing a bogey-free 67 Tuesday as the club bet dropped to third with a 143 with two rounds left in the tournament which stakes all-expense paid stints to the Philippine Amateur slated at Riviera in Cavite next month.
Sarah Ababa, also of ICTSI-TCC, took charge in the ladies side of the event, carding a one-over 73 for a three-stroke lead over teammate Sheryl Villasencio and local bet Eva Minoza at the start of the 54-hole tournament, organized by the National Golf Association of the Phils. and backed by Del Monte, Callaway and Odyssey Golf.
Villasencio and Minoza turned in identical 76s while Daniella Uy, also of ICTSI, stood in fourth with a 77 followed by ICTSI’s Sunshine Baraquiel, Sun Choi and Kristin Leonen of Del Monte.
Clyde Mondilla, the reigning national champion, withdrew from the event to prepare for the first Montecillo International Junior Cup which starts March 7 at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa City, Batangas.
Leonard Lofranco, the other member of the victorious Del Monte team in the Interclub, shot a 71 for a 143 while Raymond Ja-raulla, also of ICTSI-TCC, matched par for the second straight day and stood five strokes off the lead at 144.
The top three players in the men's division that hail from the Mindanao region will get the free trips to the Philippine Am while the ladies side will offer two tickets to the national tilt.(pr)
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