RUNAWAY WIN: Carlos-Gonzales rules doubles golf

MANILA, Philippines—Jobim Carlos and JR Gonzales churned out superlative rounds Wednesday to rule the first NGAP National Doubles Golf Championship pulling away at the AFP Golf Club in Quezon City.

Carlos, the bespectacled long-hitter regarded as the finest amateur in the land, assembled a one-under-par 67 while Gonzales carded a 68 as they tallied a closing 135 in aggregate play for a 273 total and a seven-shot win.

Gonzales, a 16-year-old former world jungolf champion who is a candidate for inclusion in the Philippine team, was easily the tournament’s revelation as he paired with Carlos for a 74 in the foursome and a 64 in the four-ball.

The tandem of Lawrence Celestino and Joey Huerva managed a 141 to end up with a 280 total for second place, followed by the pair of Art Arbole and Gabriel Manotoc who came up with a 139 for third spot with a 283 tally.

Arbole fired a 67 while the 14-year-old Manotoc returned an impressive 72 over the short but tricky layout formerly known as Camp Aguinaldo.

The event was a brainchild of NGAP director Tommy Manotoc and secretary general Jun Arceo and was supported by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and backed by Globe, AirPhil Express and Pancake House.

Rupert Zaragosa and Justin Quiban pooled a 145 to share fourth place at 291 with Ricky delos Santos and Ricky Velasco, who closed with a 149.

Lans Uy and Paolo Uy also ran away with the Group II crown with a 295 after a 152 for an eight-stroke victory over Kevin Saclot and Kristoffer Arevalo, who turned in a 149 for a 303.

Adrian Romero and Raymart Tolentino finished third with a 312 after a 153.

Bunyi and Mendoza hobbled with an 82 and 72, respectively, for 158 as they tumbled to joint 10th at 297 with Aristeo Mata and Agustin Mata, who had a 153.

Jama Reyes and AR Ramos combined for a 146 for a 294 for sixth, while Eric Gallardo and JP De Claro had a 295 after a 152 for seventh, followed by Jan
Tambogon and Rudy Amata (150-296) and Tommy Manotoc and RJ Talud (148-296).