Canlubang, Orchard off to big start in FL

MANILA, Philippines - Title-hungry Orchard and Canlubang swept their respective opening round rivals to show the way in the Men’s Federation Golf League at various venues recently.

Orchard kicked off its campaign with a couple of 4-1 victories over Alabang in their home-and-away series while Canlubang pulled off a 4-1 win over three-time champion Riviera then took a hard-earned 3-2 result at home in Group 3 to grab the leadership in their respective groups with six points each.

Defending champion Wack Wack, meanwhile, was held to a 2.5-2.5 draw by host Eastridge after their first meeting at Wack Wack was reset for June 17.

The matchup between Sta. Elena and Forest Hills turned out to be the most exciting among the first round skirmishes with Sta. Elena pounding out a 3-2 win with four matches ending on the last hole but dropped the away game by the same score the next week.

The bigger surprise of the fist round, however, was Mimosa which earned 1.5 points from a win and a draw against Sherwood Hills to occupy second spot in Group 3 ahead of Sherwood and Riviera.

Royal Northwoods and Manila Southwoods split their matches in Group 2 by winnning their home games via similar 3-2 results.