Golf: Mizuno up by a point after round one of Fil-Am Men’s Golf Invitational

BAGUIO — Round one of the expected battle royale ended with Mizuno Superstars in the lead against Forest Hills in the Fil Championship division of the 64th San Miguel Fil-Am Men’s Golf Invitational held at the Baguio Country Club.
                  
Mizuno Superstars assembled 123 Molave points to grab an early one-point advantage over the defending champion Forest Hills’ 122 output on a tough course where superb shots are rewarded handsomely.
                  
Justin Limjap, an amateur standout, paced both sides with 32 markers and was assisted by Raymond Sangil’s 31, while King and Ace Stehmeier added 30 each. Rodel Mangulabnan’s 22 did no count in the 5-to-play, 4-to-count format.

“We are lucky to be in the lead.  BCC is really a difficult course to play.  Here, it is important to hit the greens with consistency for birdie opportunities.  That will be the team’s goal in the second round,” King Stehmeier said.

Though down by only one on 122 points, Forest Hills’ relatively new players kept in step with nice rounds. Captain Raffy Garcia said that he’s happy with the team’s score in the opening round.
            
“We exceeded our target here at BCC which is 120,” Garcia said.
            
Tonlits Asistio, a former national team member, put on board a 31 to help Team Sparta to vault into third place with 117.  Erwin Temeña with 30, Rading Decepida with 29 and Alex Ignacio with 27 were the other scorers.
            
Manila Southwoods, many-time champions in the Fil-Am, tallied 107. Junjun Plana led his side with 28 and was backed by the 27 of Manfred Guangko and 26's of Ferdie Agustin and Teody Pascual.
            
The second unit of Mizuno also floundered in the Am Championship division with a score of 119, spearheaded by Tonito Payumo’s 35, for a one-shot edge off Batangas Barakos 117. Northwoods Pacsports checked in at third with 114 followed by Che’Lus at 109.

Aside from Payumo’s hot round, Joaquin Tolentino, plus Davaoeños Raymond Bunquin and Denden de Castro poured in 28's for Mizuno’s 119 on the longer par-69 course of the nearby Camp John Hay Golf Club.
            
Jun Arceo signed for 36 points for the Batangas Barakos. Gerald Katigbak, Howie Sison and Rudy Amata all turned in 27's.
            
At the forefront of the Northwood Pacsports’ attack was Nicholas Santiano’s 31. Dennis Gonzales contributed 30, Von Sarmiento had 27 and Richard Joson made 26. - AMD, GMA News