The 4 handicap Liquigan played well on a course where he never got to play on a regular basis to win, frustrating a clutch of RGC mainstays chief of whom was fellow Filipino top golfer Alex Arellano looking for his fourth straight Monthly Open victory.

Arellano, with a 5 handicap, instead finished first runner-up on 69 net in Division A (0-14 handicap) after losing to Liquigan by one stroke.

Liquigan, who works at Saudi Oger Riyadh, birdied the eighth hole to go one-under 35 on the front side.

Taking control of his game, Liquigan was on 38 coming home when he stumbled with a double bogey on No. 14 after a birdie on RGC’s signature par-6 11th hole.

Arellano likewise had a pretty good game to be on 74 (36-38), one over on the par-73 rolling layout.

Korean B. J. Kim from Samsung Electronics won Division A after a 68 from his gross score of 80 (40-40). Kim played off 12 handicap. New Zealander Julian Bennett matched Arellano’s 69 but wound up second runner-up on countback.

American Todd Bedenis, an RGC Committee member, shot 71 from his gross 89 (43-46) to capture the Division B (15-21) title.

Bedenis said he had a good round and his score could have been better were it not for a few missed putts.

Rick Ball and Jacho Choi were the first runner-up and second runner-up on countback after both players returned 72s.

The Stableford format Division C (22-28) had another Korean, C. H. Choi, taking the crown on 40 points. Virgilio Sebastian and H. G. Kim rounded out the winners on 39 points.

Evelyn Jensen was the Ladies Division winner on 36 points with Karen Bridgeford second on 35 and Laenne Jackson third on 32 points.

It was a tournament to remember for Jackson after she was awarded a special prize for scoring an eagle on No. 8, a par-4 hole where Jackson chipped in from 60 yards after a good drive that carried the man-made lake across the fairway. This was the first time a lady golfer made eagle in a competition.

Ebrahim Zailon of the Philippine Embassy Riyadh collected the prize for nearest to the pin on No. 4.

From a light breeze that greeted the field of 86 players the conditions became tough when temperatures reached 47 degrees toward the end of the round. Still, it was an event enjoyed by all thanks to the efforts of RGC Director of Golf V. T.M. Rafi and his lieutenant Jayakaran.

Also, Rafi announced the new access asphalted road from the highway to the clubhouse has been opened. In August, RGC Sports Garden will open. Facilities include swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, go-kart track, and multi functional tents for private parties, said Rafi.