Bondoc dominates Samsung putting tilt

Gene Bondoc stood out among the grand finalists with the consistency that held up until the last putt as he won the Samsung Putting Challenge in runaway fashion at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club over the weekend.

Bondoc, a lanky former national player, submitted a couple of 15s for a two-round total of 30 out of a possible 36 that gave him a four-stroke victory over Cebu qualifier Keenan Ugarte and jungolf star Jayvie Agojo.

The day, however, belonged to businessman Wilbert Young who made the putt of a lifetime in the Challenge sponsored by Samsung.

Young, a 44-year-old White Plains resident operating a food service distribution business, found the touch — and the right break – in the hole-in-contest to bag a prize of his choice.

For his feat, Young can choose from either a Kia Pride car, its cash equivalent or a Samsung appliance showcase.

"It was just a lucky putt, I believe it was really meant for me," said Young, a 20-handicapper who was among a select field of 50 players who gave themselves a crack at the prize by sinking one putt on a designated hole during the seven-leg elimination series.

Bondoc went home with a Samsung prize bonanza made up of a television set, a home theater DVD and a True I cellular phone.

Ugarte edged Agojo in the countback for the jungolf title, one of three division honors which were contested by the 70 finalists who also included world jungolf champ Dottie Ardina with the winners all given a 21-inch television set each.

Edsel Dagdagan placed fourth to clinch the men’s division title while Riviera president Danny Pizarro wound up tied for fifth to capture the seniors crown. Ia Bakunawa was crowned the ladies division winner.

Cebuanos started hot with Rolando Pila and Ronnie Arinque topping the qualifying round with a 32 and 34, respectively, to tow 13 others into the final stage. Bondoc and Agojo finished tied for third with 35s while Ugarte tied for sixth with a 36.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Amateur Tour resumes this week with the next leg set at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas on Feb. 5-6.