INQUIRER Sports

VINICE GODIO ESTACION, the only back-to-back winner of the Inquirer’s National Tournament of Champions golf tournament, died Thursday.

She would have been 42 next month.

A certified teaching pro by the United States’ Golf Teachers’ Federation, Godio Estacion was also the club champion of Sta. Elena seven times while at the same time ruling the Alabang Country Club’s championship for eight straight years.

Her remains lie at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, where the cremation will be performed tomorrow.

A popular personality among women golfers in the country because of her charm, Godio Estacio coached Alabang to a surprise runnerup finish behind Manila Southwoods in the Luzvimin Invitational at the Fairways and Bluewater course in Boracay.

Godio Estacion was preparing for her trip to Shanghai, China, as part of her prize for winning the Inquirer tournament before her untimely demise.

She also coached some of the best junior talents in the country, including Geleen Handog, who is returning to the competitive scene after finishing a degree at De La Salle University.