RIYADH, 1 March 2005 — Barely six months after a double-bypass heart operation put his golfing career under a cloud Jess Manalo returned to Dirab course to clinch the overall title in the Abner Macapagal Farewell Golf Tournament recently.
Swinging in the same smooth fashion as though he never did go under the knife, Fililipino Manalo put together a sparkling nine-under par 63. That gave the 24-handicapper Manalo with the best net score in the field for which he won the top prize of a return air ticket to Manila on any airline.
The tournament was organized in honor of Arab National Bank Senior Relationship Manager Macapagal by Green Tee Club, a close-knit group of Filipinos with a common passion for the game of golf. Macapagal has since returned to the Philippines after spending about a decade and a half in the Kingdom.
A total of 120 golfers of various nationalities braved the morning cold for the 18-hole event held in cooperation with the Dirab Golf & Recreation Center through Golf Division Manager Bouchaib El-Jadiani.
Saudi national team standout Ali Al-Shali fired a five-over 77 to capture best gross honors, while his team captain, Ali Balharith, romped off with the First Division (handicap 0-11) crown.
Balharith, a seven handicapper, finished one under at 71. David Strickland and Canadian Don McLean came in first runner-up and second runner-up via the countback after posting identical net scores of 71. Strickland played off a 10-handicap and McLean a 5-handicap.
Eric Liquigan emerged the Second Division (12-19) champion at two under 70 with the two other trophy winners in the division again determined by countback. Filipino Nelson De Leon, playing pretty well despite a lack of practice at Dirab, placed first runner-up and Indian Sandy Gupta second runner-up. De Leon and Gupta both carded a net 71. Liquigan played with 14-handicap, De Leon with 17 and Gupta with 18.
Brandy Pillai led a 1-2-3 Filipino sweep in the Third Division (20-28) with a 65. Ador Laxa and Noel Ariola Alipoyo followed in that order after the countback to break their tie at 66.
Korean Woo Hee Choi ruled the Ladies Division at 72, well in front of American Laura Collins and Ruby K. who wound up second and third at 74 and 78 respectively.
The prizes for the longest drive went to Bong Gabriel and Collins, closest to pin to Rolf Noren and Choi and longest drive to David Strickland.
Besides the trophies, Dirab gift vouchers were also presented to winners in the 18-hole tournament that coincided with the launch of GTC. In brief remarks Art Ubando said GTC, a small group as it is, aims to organize alternative tournaments for the enjoyment of all golfers throughout the year.
The GTC core group, in addition to Ubando, De Leon, Alipoyo, and Manalo, includes Edwin Aonuevo, Macapagal, Philip Cortejos, Jojo Marigomen, Chris Agunos, Oca Domingo, Rene Layug, Boiet Carigma, Mike Dy-Llaco, Yassin Palileo, Al Zamora and Ely Corpuz.
