LIPA City—Abe Avena fired a two-over-par 74 on Wednesday to take a two-shot lead over Rolly Viray after the opening round of the Philippine Seniors Championship at Mount Malarayat’s Lobo and Malipunyo nines here.
Avena, seeking to win this event for the second time in three years, dropped three shots in his last seven holes while Viray birdied the 18th to seal a 76 and stay within range.
Dave Hernandez submitted a 79 like Damasus Wong with William Goldwin shooting an 80 and Tommy Manotoc falling seven shots back like Mike Besa after struggling to an 81.
Action in the Mid-Am side of the event begins on Thursday with Judeson Eustaquio, two-time US Open champion Brooks Koepka’s college teammate, fancied in the premier division reserved for players 25 years old and above.