RIYADH, 31 January 2007 — Playing in two groups over two days the FGAers and friends enjoyed themselves to the max in the Yassin Palileo Farewell Golf Tournament at Dirab Golf Club here.
Yassin, who had worked seven years as a switching engineer with Saudi Telecom Company, leaves the Kingdom for good next week but the memories with friends he made on and off the course would linger long after he had settled back in his native Philippines.
Put this tournament organized in his honor high on the list. The Thursday set had 24 players that teed it up in six flights that ballooned to nine on Friday as 36 braved the chilling cold and the slight drizzle to have another fun day out on the course.
And the winners are: Eric Liquigan champion and Alex Arellano runner-up with 38 and 35 Stableford points in Class A (0-9 handicap), Vichai Moolsoot and Pedie Lualhati with 38 in Class B (10-20) and Sonny Sarmiento and Ben Bollozos with 39 and 38 in Class C (21-28). Lualhati and Arellano won the special prizes for nearest to pin and longest drive.
Bollozos, however, won the FGA 2006 Battle of Champions in the two-in-one Stableford format competition. The FGA also concluded its Match Play tournament with Arellano and Jun Bantug taking the first two places in the winners division.
Adding to the fun were the loads of raffle prizes besides the trophies for the winners. The major raffle prize of Ping G5i putter donated by John Palalagi, Julian Bennet and Sam Davy went to Xenos Caruz. The Ping G2 driver 8.5 degrees donated by Fahad Al-Mansour fell in the lap of Ador Laxa. Home appliances and gift items were raffled off for everyone. The participants each received a certificate of participation.
“For me it was really fulfilling that a lot of guys loved me and gave me gifts. I would like to thank everyone for making this tournament one of the most memorable and happiest events,” said Palileo who was presented with a big Yassin Palileo Achievement divider board by FGA President Rene Layug. The honoree also received a Greg Norman polo shirt and a framed Dirab course souvenir picture from Dirab Golf Club through its manager Bouchaib El Jadiani.
