|
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Del Monte scores breakthrough win in PAL interclub
By Charles R. Maxey
CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Del Monte GOlf Club carved its name into the Philippine Airlines Interclub's history books here Saturday by becoming the first team from Mindanao to capture the Championship Division title in 57 years.
And what a dramatic ending it was.
But it wasn't easy. Going into the last round with a seven-point lead over its closest rival, Del Monte quickly lost those seven points on the first nine holes.
But the Mindanao team was not to be denied its niche in the tournament's history, coming back strong in the final nine holes to turn back Manila Southwoods' desperate challenge, thanks in part to the spirited play of Louie Dacudao down the stretch.
Dacudao, a recruit from Luisita who actually learned the rudiments of the game in Davao City, birdied three of the last five holes, including a chipped in birdie on his final hole, to douse cold water on Southwood's final day charge and give the Del Monte shotmakers their first-ever PAL Interclub crown.
Dacudao went on to score 35 points with a one over 73 in medal play-at the Pueblo de Oro course to spearhead Del Monte's final drive. Counting the 35 of Paul Miñoza, Tristan Tabanas' 33 and the 30 of team captain Yoyong Velez, Del Monte had 133 to finish the tournament at 571.
Manila Southwoods settled for second with its 567 after a 136, while Canlubang placed third with a total of 558 after making 142 Saturday, its best effort in four days.
Dacudao, 29, started from the back nine with Manila Southwoods' Artemio Murakami but it was his journey back that mattered most. He birdied holes No. 5, 7 and 9 to cap his round.
Murakami had 38 for Manila Southwoods. Also scoring for the team were Jun Jun Plana (33), Gene Bondoc (33) and Jeric Hechanova (32).
Velez was all praises for his boys at the clubhouse moments after the final flight.
"We now have proven that it pays to be prepared. We capped our training program with a two-month rigid preparation," Velez said.
"This is the culmination of our development program that began four years ago. All the guys delivered," Velez added.
Southwoods manager Thirdy Escaño was gracious in defeat.
"The Del Mone guys played better. They prepared for it more thoroughly. It's as simple as that. Maybe next year, we will also perform better," Escaño said.
Pueblo de Oro shot a final round 133 at its own turf to win the Founders Division. It had earlier rounds of 124, 128 and 124.
Forest Hills carded 120 to settle for second at 486, followed by Riviera and Wack Wack, which had 485s.
(March 7, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
