Amateur Fernando tops Riviera Championship

An amateur took the spotlight out from the pros in the Philippine Golf Tour’s ICTSI Riviera Championship as national champion Mhark Fernando topped the field with a one-under-par 70 for a three-shot victory at the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite. Fernando made three straight birdies from No. 3 to grab the lead after nine then watched Demetrio Sanchez, Richard Sinfuego and Ferdie Aunzo sputter in the end to cruise to the championship. “I was just lucky my iron game and putting clicked," said the reticent Fernando, who defeated the best amateur golfers during the nationals at Eastridge last June, in Filipino. But as an amateur, Fernando will only get a trophy for his feat. Technically, it will be the triumvirate of Sanchez, Sinfuego and Aunzo who will share the top prize purse of P385,000 from the P1-million pot put up by ICTSI for the country’s top touring pros. Sinfuego, tied with Fernando, Sanchez and Rey Pagunsan in second a shot behind surprise second round leader Orlan Sumcad, made a 37 at the turn. Sanchez struggled with a 38 while Pagunsan skidded to a 39. Sinfuego actually moved within two with an eagle on the par-5 10th but the veteran campaigner failed to sustain his charge with pars in the next seven holes before holing out with a bogey. Aunzo, who started the final day three strokes behind Sumcad, tried to chase Fernando with a 35 but missed a couple of birdie chances at the back and settled for a 36 and a 71. A rookie pro, Aunzo finished with a 215 for joint second with Sanchez and Sinfuego. They ended up with identical 73s and will split the combined cash prize of P385,000. Pagunsan limped home with a 79 and tumbled down to joint 14th. Sumcad cracked under pressure and fumbled with seven bogeys against two bogeys for a five-over 76 as he matched his previous best of fifth at Mt. Malarayat with a 217 worth P50,000. Amateur James Wang carded a 74 and shared sixth place with Sherwood leg winner Elmer Salvador (73) and Carito Villaroman (70) at 218 while Robert Pactolerin shot a 74-219 for joint ninth with Randy Garalde (70) and amateur Albin Engino (72). – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV