Golf has received a much-needed shot in the arm in Zamboanga City following the staging of a two-week golf clinic at the Edwin Andrews Air Base golf course.
Organized by the Ambagan Group, headed by lawyer Pherham Saiddi and Judge Peter Eisma, the clinic was held under the auspices of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines led by president Oliver Gan and chairman Tommy Manotoc.
Sons and daughters of caddies and club employees – all 33 of them – took part in the twice-a-day sessions. Their age ranges from five to 16 years old.
Organizers bought three golf sets which participants took turn to use, according to coordinator Francisco Paita.
The clinic coincided with the staging of the President’s Cup tournament that drew the participation of at least 17 touring pros, led by legend Frankie Minoza and Juvic Pagunsan.
The others were former Philippine Masters champion Jessie Balasabas, tour winners Mike Bibat and Zanie Boy Gialon, Jhonnel Ababa, Justin Quiban, Ryan Lam, Albin Engino, Rupert Zaragosa, Arnold Villacencio, Rufino Bayron, Marvin Dumandan, Mark Fernando, Arnie Fernando, Elmer Arcillas and Nicole Fleetwood.
While there, the touring pros took the occasion to lend their expertise to wide-eyed students whose enthusiasm grew after seeing their heroes in the flesh.
A day before the President’s Cup, an 18-hole pro-am event was held at the Zamboanga Golf and Beach Park.
Arnold Villacencio and his amateur partner Patrick Lee won the event by combining for 9-under-par 63, one shot ahead of Marvin Dumandan and Gen. Domingo Gobway.
Tied for third on 65s were Erwin Arcillas and Angelo Marquez, and Mhark Fernando and Jemson Cervantes.
Rounding out the Top 10 were Justin Quiban-JP Pagteilan 66, Rupert Zaragosa 66, Zanieboy Gialon-Peter Eisma 68, Jhonnel Ababa-Floy Liong 68, Arnie Fernando-Bobby Arcillas 69 and Albin Engino-Adrian Kwan 69.
The pro-am also served as the first round of the 36-hole pro tournament won by Juvic Pagunsan on 9-under 135 after rounds of 68 and 67.
Quiban was a far second on 4-under 140 followed by Villacencio and Jhonnel Ababa with 2-under 142 apiece.
Completing the Top 10 standings were Erwin Arcillas 144, Mhark Fernando 144, Zaragosa 145, Engino 145, Dumandan 146 and Gialon 147.
Eldon Lumba emerged as overall gross champion of the President’s Cup held at the Zamboanga Golf and Beach Park. He shot 68 and 73 to finish the 36-hole event on 3-under 141.
The low net champion was Jemson Cervantes who carded 15-under par following a 64 and 65.
Andre Lim captured Class A with 140 followed by Angelo Marquez who edged Andre Lim via countback. Both Marquez and Lim wound up with 143.
In Class B, Hasan Abdelnooh won via countback over Judge Peter Eisma and Romel Calapardo after all three carded 143 each. Eisma settled for second while Calapardo took third.
Ambassador Abdulmaid Kiram Muin topped Class C with 134, five shots ahead of runner-up Pherham Saiddi. John Ruiz placed third with 141.
In the guest division, Rodel Abule came through with 10-under 134 to win by one over Raul Roldan. Third place went to Gen Nani with 136.
Special prizes were awarded to Elumba, longest drive; Lanie Verar, most accurate drive; Joseph Dy, nearest to the pin; and Big Mike Muin, longest putt.
Encouraged by the success of the clinic and tournament, Manotoc said the JGFP will continue its grassroots program by holding clinics on weekends through the support of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Meanwhile, Gan announced the holding of a junior tournament in the first week of January at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City.
He said tournament fees will be waived for children of caddies and employees of Apo Golf.
