Three-way tie at the top

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Club players Brian Kim and Jelbert Gamolo shot even-par 72s that was later matched by Aidric Chan to share the lead after the first round of the Sta. Lucia Amateur Tour at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club.

Former pro Carlo Villaroman and Wei Wei Gao carded 74s to stay in touch with the leaders in the Open Division play at the challenging Aoki layout, the site of the next Asian Development Tour leg next month.

Kim went out with a 33 highlighted by an eagle on No. 5 and two birdies on the first four holes to cushion the impact of a 39 coming in. By contrast, Gamolo of Lyceum Cavite birdied two of the last three holes to salvage his 72.

“We are happy to see these guys compete on a national level,” said Sta. Lucia chair Vince Santos of the five-leg tour, which included an Open division this year to give the amateurs another avenue to excel in the sport.

Liam Cully, a member of the PAL Men’s Interclub Founders division champion Alabang, and Carlo Gatmaitan lay three strokes adrift with 75s while national champion and pre-tournament favorite Rupert Zaragosa managed a 76 to be in a tie for eight spot with Lance Uy and Wei Yu Gao.

“I didn’t putt well,” Zaragosa rued.

Over at the Norman course, Bianca Pagdanganan shot a three-over 75 to pace the ladies division by three over Felicia Medalla and Harmie Constantino.

Kyla Nocum returned a 79 and stood alone in third spot, followed by Samantha Bruce who made an 81. Ashia Nocum was sixth with an 82.