RIYADH, 12 July 2007 — Vinij led a Thai sweep of the Class A prizes while Peddy Lualhati and Cesar Arellano ruled their divisions during the Ambassador’s Cup golf tournament on Friday at the Riyadh Golf Course here.
The tournament played in benign conditions was the first project of the FGA (Filipino Golf Association) under a new set of officers led by president Danny Naval.
Ambassador Antonio Villamor, in whose honor the tournament was organized, inducted into office Naval and the rest of the office bearers namely vice-president Rene Mercado, secretary Senan G. Angara, treasurer Cesar Rosario, auditor Ador Laxa, awards and prizes director Zoilo Holganza and tournament directors Alex Arellano and Eric Liquigan.
Vinij compiled 38 points to rule the 0-13 handicap category with Bonyuen Suphot and Somchit Nakhong taking the first runner-up and second runner-up prizes on 35 and 33 points in the Stableford format at 3/4 of full handicap event. Lualhati mustered 37 points to win by one over Ely Corpuz in Class B (14-18 handicap). Verlie Quindoza finished second runner-up on 35 points. Cesar, following in the footsteps of brother Alex, a single-digit handicap golfer with a string of victories in his name, put together 35 points to be the champion in Class C (19-21).
Australian Stephen Hart was first runner-up on 34 points and Benjie Marfil second runner-up on 31 points.
Philippine Embassy’s Rey Sambitan claimed the longest drive prize and Art Ubando of Samba Financial Group, won the nearest the pin award. Ubando, one in a line of long-hitting Filipino golfers who has had victories in the past, also emceed the awards ceremony.
Card-bearing FGA members and their friends on the Riyadh golf circuit participated in the 18-hole competition.
Immediate past FGA President Rene Layug and treasurer Mar Vera Cruz donated the trophies. The New Zealander trio of John Palalagi, Julian Bennet and Sam Davey, staunch FGA supporters, sponsored some prizes. The other sponsors are Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, RGC through director of golf V.T.M. Rafi, APO Royal Golf Circle and Thai Group.
Up next in the FGA schedule is the Monthly Medal tournament set for Aug. 3 at a venue still to be determined.