Langgamin paces Mindanao regional golf tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Del Monte’s Noel Langgamin matched par 72 to post a one-stroke lead over Rupert Zaragosa and two others in the first round of the qualifying stage in the National Golf Association of the Philippines’ Mindanao Regional championship in Davao yesterday.

Langgamin mixed two birdies with the same number of bogeys at the tough Apo Golf layout to show the way in the 36-hole elims serving as part of the NGAP-Globe Amateur circuit and backed by Pancake House, Titleist and Golf Depot.

Zaragosa opened up with a birdie but bogeyed Nos. 7 and 8 for a 37-36 card to drop into a tie with Reymin Jaraulla and Jelbert Gamolo.

Joey Huerva shot a 74 to be in fifth while LJ Go of Cebu Country Club struggled with a 77 but well within the cutoff line at ninth.

Only the top 16 placers after today’s second round will advance to the match play phase in the men’s division.

In women’s play, Pamela Mariano made an 80 to open a four-stroke lead over Eva Miñoza while Larry Miculob and Koichi Mihara turned in a pair of 79s to share the lead in the seniors category.

Toshiaki Shinmura shot an 80 while Masato Soginu stood a stroke farther back at 81.

Only the top eight players in both the women’s and senior’s divisions will move to the knockout stage, according to the organizing National Golf Association of the Phils., headed by president Tommy Manotoc.