Four share National Senior golf lead

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Abe Avena wrestled with a balky putter all day but still churned out a two-over-par 74 to share a one-stroke lead with three others after Wednesday’s opening round of the NGAP’s National Senior Amateur championship presented by the MVP Sports Foundation.

Avena, who won this tournament pulling away from a badly outclassed field last year, muffed seven birdie putts from close range, including three-footers on the 16th and 17th to fall into a tie with former pro Eddie Bagtas, Egay San Luis and Mari Hechanova.

The 57-year-old Avena, a club member, fired a 36 at the Lobo nine and then closed out with a 38 at Malipunyo of the Mount Malarayat complex.

Bagtas closed out hot with a 34 and put himself in the running for a first individual title since reverting back to the amateur ranks.

“I had a truly awful putting day,” Avena said, blaming a new putter that he has used for less than a month.

Dave Hernandez, a former champion, fired a 77, with Rudy Amata and Tony Olives shooting 78s to keep themselves well within the mix in the event backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot and Pacsports as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour.