Del Monte wrests control in Luzvimin Invitational

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines  – Del Monte Golf Club assembled a solid 254 as it posted a whopping 21-point lead over five-peat seeking Manila Southwoods at the start of the Champion Infinity 20th Luzvimin Golf Invitational presented by Pacsports at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here Wednesday.

Eva Miñoza churned out a 55-point output under the Molave scoring format to lead the Bukidnon-based squad’s fiery opening round charge in the centerpiece Diamond division of the annual event organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP).

Backing up Miñoza in the seven-to-play, five-to-count format tournament are Apple Jean Fudolin, who shot 52 points, Lovelyn Guioguio, who had 50, Kristine Leonen, who added 49, and Sofia Chabon, who made a 48.

Manila Southwoods, which dominated the event the last four years, drew 53 points from reigning individual champion Sunshine Baraquiel but the team could only turn in a 233 aggregate for second while Sta. Elena, led by Carina Ricamonte, pooled a 202 followed by the host club’s Team 1 with 194, Mactan with 173, Pueblo de Oro Team 2 with 157 and Orchard with 124 points.

Miñoza also took a two-shot lead over Baraquiel in the individual competition of the three-day event among the leading golfing ladies from the country’s top clubs.

Tagaytay Highlands, drawing superb rounds from Hedy See, Rosalie Heo, Diane Lee, Totelle Dimson, and Jessalyn Tan, shot 199 points to pace the Ruby division, six points ahead of Forest Hills, which had a 193.

Bacolod stood in third with 181 followed by last year’s runner-up Negros Occidental with 178, Riviera with 172 and Manila Golf with 145 in that order.

Apo Golf, meanwhile, surged ahead in the Pearl category, scoring a 174 on the combined efforts by Imee Garcia, Lilibeth Crisologo, Irene Shimura, Gemma Buchawachi, and Merane Siason but the Villamor ladies stayed within striking distance with 172 followed by Davao City Golf with 170, Camp Aguinaldo (138), Baguio (128), and Victorias (126).

WGAP president Marissa Romano said the field has been reduced to 18 teams after Orchard bowed out of contention after some of its players failed to make it here to inclement weather in Manila.