Eastridge dethrones Southwoods in Fil-Am golf finale, Camp John Hay shines 

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament ended on a high note with electrifying victories across divisions, showcasing the best of amateur golf at Camp John Hay Golf Club (CJHGC) and Baguio Country Club (BCC). 

Drawing over 1,400 players from 260 teams across the Asia-Pacific, the tournament reaffirmed its legacy as the region’s longest-running and largest amateur golf competition.

Eastridge ends Southwoods’ reign in Fil Championship

Eastridge PrimeHomes delivered an outstanding final-round performance to topple defending champions Manila Southwoods and claim the Fil Championship crown. With a total of 554 points, Eastridge’s decisive 132 points on the last day sealed the victory.

Leading the charge for Eastridge was Jhondie Quibol, who posted 32 points. Ronel Taga-an and Jeffrey Lumbo also turned in solid scores of 32 and 35, respectively, while Rolando Bregente contributed 33 points to secure the championship. 

Quibol’s remarkable performance over the tournament earned him a total of 146 points, tying him for the top individual score with Camp John Hay’s Luigi Paolo Wong.

Manila Southwoods, despite strong rounds from Jet Hernandez (35 points), Coby Rolida (33), Enrique Dimayuga (33), and Mike Granada (28), fell nine points short, finishing with 545 points. 

First-day leader Januarius settled for third place with 512 points, followed by SPES (448) and Time Cargo (372).

Manila Southwoods reigns in Am Championship

While Southwoods missed out on the Fil Championship crown, the team dominated the Am Championship division with 525 points, edging out runner-up Eastridge PrimeHomes by eight points.

Southwoods’ campaign was led by the consistent Zeus Sara, who scored an impressive 145 points over four days, including standout rounds of 41 and 39. Supporting him were teammates Zach Villaroman (35), Rafa Leonio (34), and Patrick Tambalque (34).

Eastridge PrimeHomes claimed second place with 518 points, bolstered by Chris John Remata’s 40-point final round, alongside contributions from Richard Joson (39), Edison Tabalin (38), and Gary Sales (34). Batangas Barakos completed the podium with 467 points.

Camp John Hay dominates Fil-A Division

In the Fil-A division, Camp John Hay Golf Club Team 1 (CJHGC) claimed a resounding victory with a total of 472 points, finishing 21 points ahead of second-placed Forest Hills Team 1. CJHGC’s success was a team effort, led by hometown hero Luigi Paolo Wong.

Wong, playing his last amateur tournament before turning professional, tallied an exceptional 146 points over four rounds, highlighted by a stellar 36-point final round at BCC. His consistent performances earned him the individual title in his division.

“It feels great playing for my home club and winning in the Fil-Am for the first and last time before I turn pro,” Wong shared. “I’ve been putting in the hard work, and it paid off. It’s been a fun and exciting week playing with my teammates, and it was great seeing them perform and defend our home turf.”

Wong’s teammates also delivered solid performances. Melchor Carlos Rabanes II contributed 27 points in the final round, finishing with a total of 115, while Emilio Curran added 24 for a 108-point tournament tally.

Team captain Leonard Corpuz chipped in 22 points for a total of 45, while Ranz Louie Balay-odao and Martin Dennis Garcia added 29 points each in earlier rounds. Together, they secured CJHGC’s 472-point total, far ahead of Forest Hills.

Forest Hills Team 1 finished second with 449 points, led by Don Breganza (120) and Pierre Ticzon (116). Eastridge PrimeHomes, affectionately called “The Kiddos” for their youthful lineup, claimed third place with 448 points, highlighted by standout performances from 12-year-old Vito Sarines (116), 15-year-old Luciano Armand Copok (104), and 11-year-old Jared Saban (98).

Luisita shines in Seniors Division

In the Seniors Division, Team Luisita overcame rain delays to claim the Fil Championship title last week with a total of 448 points, narrowly edging out Manila Southwoods by five. Led by Abe Rosal’s 34-point final round, Luisita’s consistent teamwork was further supported by Benjie Sumulong (30), Damas Wong (29), and Ferdie Barbosa (28).

Manila Southwoods found redemption in the Seniors Am Championship, clinching the title with 412 points, nine ahead of Srixon IMG.

Course Stats: Second week highlights

The second week of competition offered unique challenges across BCC and CJH.

At BCC, the easiest hole was the first, which saw 0 eagles, 42 birdies, and 484 pars. However, the 11th proved the toughest, with no eagles, only 15 birdies, and a staggering 700 pickups.

At CJH, the sixth hole was the easiest, yielding one eagle, 72 birdies, and 585 pars. Conversely, the ninth hole tested players’ mettle with two eagles, 44 birdies, and 499 pickups.

Looking ahead to the 75th Fil-Am

As the 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational wraps up, preparations for next year’s milestone 75th edition are already underway.

“Co-chairing the Fil-Am for the fourth time with BCC’s Anthony de Leon is an honor and a privilege. The golf course was dialed in, in spite of some adverse weather,” said Fil-Am co-chair Jude Eustaquio.

“We were fortunate to have great weather in the second week. We’re thankful for the continued patronage of the participants, and we’re already looking forward to the 75th.”

With rising stars like Eastridge’s “kiddos” and seasoned champions like Wong leaving their marks, the 75th Fil-Am promises to be another celebration of skill, camaraderie, and the enduring legacy of amateur golf in the Summer Capital of the Philippines. – Rappler.com