Two weeks after they fashioned out one of the most stirring triumphs in team golf competitions, the members of the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club continue to savor the sweet taste of their thrilling sudden death victory over fancied Wack Wack Gold and Country Club in the recent Federation Golf League Series championship.
There they were, exchanging high-fives and handshakes in their victory bash tendered by Forest Hills member Chester Gellido at the brand-new Bagaberde Grill and Bar in Pasig City, as well as eating to their hearts’ delight in a virtual replay of the celebration they had four nights ago during the awards night at The Fort.
But nobody could fault them.
Their victory was a mixture of joy and grief – truly one for the books. It was surprising as it was surprising that teams of lesser stuff would’ve perhaps had a difficult time pulling off the feat. The campaign was marred by the sudden death of key player Alfie Almatrrio, but ended in a festive mood when the gutsy Forest Hills group stunned the fancied defending champion Wack Wack.
Vic de Guzman, the youthful officer-in-charge of Forest Hills and skipper of the team, put it all in context when he said: "We may not have the experience of other teams but certainly our team has the heart of a champion."
Aside from Almario, the members of the Team Forest Hills are Tino Lee, Vic Cordero, Alvin Buenaventura, Louie Rovera, Florene delos Santos, Nonet Rodriguez, Mario, Bagunu, Eding Hizon, Raffy Garcia, Ronnie Littaua, Jong Laput, Larry Patnongon, Ferdie Atendido, Bobby Ysip and Joey Ramoso.