Ababa clinches crown with 80

Jonel Ababa of Apo golf shot a fat 80 over tough Wack Wack East yesterday, holding off a host of pursuers to win the first National Caddies’ Open by two shots over a hard-charging Joseph Labajo.

The 20-year-old steadied himself after a triple bogey seven on the 15th and a double in the next, finishing par to win the inaugural edition of the event and lead two others in availing a long-term program that will change their lives forever.

Jonel wound up with a 310 total in the event presented by the FG Sports Foundation, Pagcor and San Miguel Corp. and backed by Nike and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Showing gentle touch around the greens, Ababa was level after a birdie on the 11th, but a bogey on the 12th, a double on the 13th and those five shots dropped in a two-hole stretch gave the Labajo brothers the opening they were looking for.

"Nanlamig na po kasi ako nung papunta na sa last five holes," Ababa said." Hindi ako sanay sa ganitong pressure. Sa awa ng Diyos, nai-ayos ulit ang palo.

Joseph, a native of Davao who represents Valley here, turned in a 78 for a 312 total and second spot. Mario, meanwhile, shot a 79 to finish alone in third spot.

Antonio Depelo, also a Davao native who now calls Wack Wack his home, saw a spirited chase fizzle in the back nine, signing for a 77 for 314 to miss forging a playoff for third by one stroke.

Depelo shot a 40 in the back runs after going just one-over in the first nine.

The three will enter the NCO program that will hopefully turn them to Philippine team caliber in the future. The Calatagan Golf and Country Club, site of the first two rounds, will be their home at feast for the next year.

The four prime movers of the one-of-a-kind event — Ben Abalos, Hermie Esguerra, Tony Arevalo and Tommy Manotoc — were all on hand to personally award the trophies to the winners.

Abalos gave an emotional speech during the rites, exhorting his former colleagues to strive harder and use this tournament to chase their dreams of a better life.

Philippine teaam members and former caddies Boyet Saragoza, Jay Bayron, Jun Bernis and Juvic Pagunsan and pro Caloy Nival and Arevalo carried the bags of the members of the last two flights.

"Proud din kasi kami kapag nakaka-kita kami ng mga dati naming kasamahan na umaasenso," Pagunsan said. "Kahit taon-taon, magbubuhat ako ng bag sa tournament na ito."