Orchard returns to pal champions’ circle

DAVAO—Orchard hung tough in the face of Forest Hills’ spirited final round charge on Saturday to win the Founders Division of the 70th Philippine Airlines Interclub’s Men’s championship at Rancho Palos Verdes here.

Veteran Rodel Mangulabnan assembled a five-over-par 77 for 31 points and spearheaded the Dasmariñas-based bets into a closing 117 to nip Forest Hills by three with a 480 total and share the winner’s circle with the week’s other champions.

It was a sweet way for Orchard to return to the Founders Division, where it was relegated after losing two players.

It was also Orchard’s second Founders title after winning in 2013 and coming back the following year to bag the Championship Division.

“We really had no idea that it was Forest Hills that was chasing us,” Raymund Sangil, who scored 27 and counted as the fourth man for Orchard, said. “They (Forest Hills) were not in our group.”

Judson Eustaquio, the former US NCAA standout, fired 37 points with Inigo Raymundo and Ronnie Littaua shooting 33s that boosted Forest Hills to a fourth-round 132, the best by any team in the division the entire week.

Sherwood Hills, meanwhile, fired 93 points at Apo Golf and claimed the Aviator class title by 31 points over Lumbia Golf and Country Club.

Sarangani got 29 points from Arthur Ong and 28 from captain Ryan Gotan in closing with a 109 for a two-point victory over Sta. Elena Golf Club in the Sportswriters Division.

Miguel Dominguez and Jose Ramon Munda accounted for 26 apiece as Sarangani completed its remarkable comeback.
Mactan Island Golf was third at 368.