Filipino pro-golfer upstages veteran, stars

MANILA, Philippines–Juvic Pagunsan upstaged Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and the other superstars in the field with a solid effort of three-under-par 69 Thursday (Friday in Manila) that put him tied for fifth just three shots behind the leaders after the first round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championships at the TPC-Blue Monster course of the Doral Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida.

Pagunsan, here as the Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, played the back nine where he started at two under on three birdies and a bogey then picked up another birdie coming home despite the windy conditions to finish two behind co-leaders Adam Scott of Australia and American Jason Duffner.

Pagunsan’s effort was three shots better than Woods and Mickelson who can only match par 72 and were in the group at 25th spot.Rory McIlroy, the world’s No. 1 player, struggled with a 73.

“He was ready for the blustery winds. He’s looking good, Juvic completely outplayed his flightmates” said Miami resident Felix Cortez, who followed Pagunsan’s flight and with a handful of Filipino fans.

Juvic’s flightmates, Francesco Molinari of Italy and Marcus Fraser of Australia shot a 75 and 76, respectively.