Garcia captures Ilusorio Cup; Fillers shine

BAGUIO CITY– Raffy Garcia, capitalizing on accuracy and steady short game, scored the lowest gross, a three-over 64, to capture the club title in the third Nanoy Ilusorio Cup Invitational golf gournament last Sunday at the par-61 Baguio Country Club.

"I was just so lucky that I had a good game, especially on my short game," said Garcia, a businessman.

"Participating in this tournament is an honor. It’s one way to show our love and respect for the man (Nanoy) for what he has done to the club. Anything under his name, suportahan lang natin (lets just support)," Garcia added.

Alfonso Marcelo took home the men’s Class A title with a net 57, Datu Bing was first runner-up (net 58) and Luis Sison, BCC sports and grounds chairman placed second runner-up (58) via countback.

It was a big day for the Fillers who made a big impression in the tournament.

TJ Filler, 17, a BCC junior golfer, highlighted the event by shooting a hole-in-one at the par 3, 159-yard first hole.

"Yes, a hole-in-one. Oh boy, this may be my greatest moment in years of playing golf," said Filler, who used an 8-iron club and a Topflite No. 1 ball in scoring his first ace.

In Class A, Nanette was champion in the Ladies Class A (net 68) and her older son Basti was first runner-up in the Dependents Class A category with a gross 74.

Nanette eclipsed archrival Leny Cuyno, who settled for first runner-up with a similar net score of 68 after the countback while Nena Nakpil placed second runner-up.

To celebrate TJ’s rare achievement, the tournament hosts gave him a toss of champagne at tee number 1.

BCC is offering another world-record resort service, a buttler service in all the 18 holes with free champagne and canapes to the participants.

"Serving sparkling wines...golfing in style," said Anthony de Leon, BCC general manager and the tournament director.

Other winners: Class B — Manuel Quirino, 58 (champion), Benito Ang (first runner-up), Isaac Go (second runner-up); Ladies — Class B-Beth Loy, 54 (champion), Sonia Bruce, 56 (first runner-up), Anne Philips, 60 (second runner-up); Class C — Linda Vickers, 56 (champion), Nelly Kramer, 61 (first runner-up), Gene Abiad, 61 (second runner-up); Dependents –Class A — Michael Robles, 71 (champion), Rafael Bautista (second runner-up); Class B — Joseph Bayquen Jr., 75 (champion), Butch Rondez (first runner-up), Patrick De Guzman (second runner-up).