Bajo, 2 other P. Verdes bets pace Sta. Lucia tilt

PLAYERS from Davao dominated the first round of the Sta. Lucia Amateur Series Open’s Tournament of Champions yesterday by pacing three of the four categories at Beverly Place Golf Club in Mexico, Pampanga.

Jerico Bajo of Palos Verdes spearheaded the Davaoeños’ assault in the searing heat, firing an eight-over 78 at the challenging par-70 layout for a two-shot lead over Orchard’s TJ Benitez in Class A.

Five up on Bajo after the first nine following birdies on the first and ninth holes, Benitez collapsed with a quadruple bogey-8 on the 11th and consecutive double bogeys from the 17th.

Maricel Kim and Jaime Tan, both also of Palos Verdes, showed the way in ladies’ Class A and the seniors category.

Orchard’s Riane Casquejo carded the day’s best round—a 75—and paced Summit Point’s Walter Lacuesta by four shots in men’s Class B.

Tan led Eagle Ridge’s Lee Tong-hwa by a shot in seniors’ play with a 77, with Nestor Sevilla third after a 82 in the season-ender of the series put up by Sta. Lucia Land in partnership with Wilcon Depot, Pomelo Tee, Davies Paints, Mizuno and Kang Ho Bong.

Tournament backers: Interconnect Systems, Alpha Quality Express, Dizon, Ecostrong, Texas Eagle, Isuzu Phils., Rub Rubs & BBQ, VMJ Evergreen, U-Freight, Microtel by Wyndham and WGC Golf.