Malarayat: Bagtas paces Senior Open Mid-Am

Eddie Bagtas, the former pro who has become Luisita’s anchor in the PAL Senior Interclub, fired a one-over-par 73 Wednesday to lead the Senior Open division of the Mid-Amateur Series at Malarayat Golf Club in Lipa City.

Bagtas three-putted the final hole and failed to build an even bigger cushion over Dave Hernandez and Rolly Viray, the Canlubang stalwarts who fired 74s, even as Pepot Inigo and Mike Besa shot 77s to trail by four.

Iggy Clavecilla, the former Asia-Pacific Senior champion, fired an 82 in his first individual tournament since returning from a stroke three years ago.

Francis Gaston, Rudy Amata, Abe Avena and Mari Hechanova carded 84s to be nine back.

Club member Gerald Katigbak scored a 71 to grab the Mid-Am open lead with Raul Montealto, Damas Wong, Chino Raymundo, trailing by two.

In the elite amateur open category, Korean Park Min-ung , the former national junior champion, scored a 70 to pull ahead by four shots over JP de Claro and Ira Alido. Musong R. Castillo