BAGUIO CITY – Ian Arcilla opened with 29 points as Glutamex Men submitted 82 points and take a seven point lead in Fil G of the 68th Fil-Am Department of Tourism Invitational Golf Tournament today at the Baguio Country Club.
Joseph Samson tallied 25, Robert Nazal had a 16, while Ed Diaz carded 12 to count for the team in the five to play four to count Modified PAL Stableford presented by San Miguel Corporation.
Willie and Jun Acosta tallied 21 and 20 points respectively to power Fil-Am Chicago to 75 points and second spot and a two point lead on third ranked Team Nice Day Coffee in a Fil-Am golf that is one week late that it was in the past.
Over at the Camp John Hay course John Marasigan submitted 29 points as EK Amigo opened with 95 points and two shot lead in Am G.
Andre Bautista had a 24, Johnny Balaki carded 22, while Rolly Tolores scored 20 as the Amigos carry a two shot lead on Team Best Western – Subic and Veterans Golf Clubwhich both fired an opening round of 93.
Benny Pecson and Dennis Lumpay lead the Subic players, while Rod Zapanta and Rainier Bangit submitted 23 and 22, respectively to count for the team.
Mar Boliche led all Veterans scorers with 29, Gerrico Chico had a 27, while Alvin Batausa and Bobby Castro both fired a similar 19 points.
On Sunday Eddie Bagtas and his Luisita team open their bid in the premiere championship flight of the senior side against former team champions Manila Southwoods which has Freddie Mendoza and the Jose Marii Hechanova-led Megafiber
The Fil-Am golf will have 240 teams of which 68 teams will see action in the senior side or 55 years and older.
The senior Fil-Am, which was started in 2004 during its 55th year, will have flights for Championship, A, B, C and D for both the Fil and Am sides.
Allen said participation in the senior side has increased by 40 percent from when it started when there were only three flights – Champ, A and B,” added Allen.
A Toyota Altis is also up for grabs in the event founded in 1949 by actor turned senator Rogelio dela Rosa and US Army Maj. Archie Black, then John Hay’s commander.
Roanne Garcia of the organizing committee said holes 18 and 10 from CJH and BCC, respectively, are the designated holes.
By Dexter A. See