Gaston coasts to easy RP seniors win

Francis Gaston played like a true veteran and romped away with the Philippine Seniors Amateur Open on his rookie year, coasting to a six-shot victory over fellow club bet Clifford Celdran with a closing 76 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City yesterday.

The 55-year-old Gaston gunned down two birdies on Nos. 4 and 6 to cushion the impact of his four-bogey and one double-bogey mishaps for a 39-37 card and a 54-haul of 226 that included a pair of 75s.

He beat Celdran, who had a birdie-less round of 79 (40-39) for a 232, by six strokes to claim the seniors crown, 26 years after he ruled the national amateur championship.

Last year’s champion Iggy Clavecilla rallied with the day’s best score of 75 (39-36) but the overnight eight-stroke deficit proved too big for him to overcome as the Luisita bet settled for third with a 235 in the event staged by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Cangolf’s Bing Bunye carded a 79 (42-37) and placed fourth with a 236 while first round leader Carlos Coscolluela fumbled with eight bogeys, a double bogey and triple bogey with no birdie to show for an 85 (42-43) and tumbled to fifth place with a 237.

Riviera’s Danny Pizarro, a 10-handicapper, scored an 80 for a 240 as he emerged the net champion with a 210 in the event backed by Philippine Airlines, Riviera Golf Club, Rowell Group, WWW Express, Nike golf through Pacsports, Bayer Phils. Levitra and Electrobus Callaway golf.

Meanwhile, Reny Go capped the hosts’ domination of the event when he rallied with a 74-155 and snatched the Category II (60-64 years old) crown from Anthony Sasin of DVO, who had a 161 after an 82. Rey McCarver won the net title with a 143 from rounds of 71-72.