Maldia, Medina top Phoenix Petroleum golfest

MANILA, Philippines – Willie Maldia carded an 83 to bag the overall low gross crown while Rolando Medina took the overall net plum with a 70 in the first Phoenix Petroleum golf invitational tournament at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa last Wednesday.

Maldia flashed top form to clinch top honors with a gross 11-over card while Medina spiked his round with two birdies to fire a net 70 in the 18-hole tournament which drew 56 participants from various sectors.

Lito Gutierrez shot a net 71 and nipped Ronnie Silvestre in the countback to cop the Class A crown and later took the longest drive honors (250 yards) while Gino Ng topped Class B with a net 72, also edging Lito in the countback.

Bryan Cruz turned in a net 75 to defeat Gerard Magadia by one and bag the Class C crown in the tournament sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum, the official fuel of the NBA.

Poyee Oliquino missed by just 27 inches for a hole-in-one feat on No. 6 while BJ De Guzman took the most accurate drive (2 1/2 inches off the target) honors in the event, which also served as a fund-raiser for the Phoenix Foundation.

Phoenix Petroleum has been a supporter of sports and was one of the key players in bringing in the NBA Global Games to Manila which featured the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets last Oct. 10 at the MOA Arena.

Noted Bossa Nova singer Sitti Navarro graced the awards rites, rendering a variety of medley songs capped by an ear-soothing rendition of “A Thousand Years.”