RIYADH: Eric Liquigan dipped into his A-game once again to lead a 1-2-3 Filipino sweep of the Best Gross division in the July Monthly Medal golf tournament at Riyadh Golf Club on Friday.
The short but stocky Liquigan stamped his class in a round of 75, just two over on the par-73 rolling layout, to win with plenty to spare over compatriots Alex Arellano and Edwin Añonuevo.
It was the sixth victory of the season for the consistent Liquigan, who won three tournaments in successive weeks in May.
“My front nine could have been better were it not for the bad bounces that ruined some of my shots. But I had a couple of long birdie putts,” said Liquigan of his 39-36 round. Liquigan drained a 50-footer for birdie on the long par-4 No. 12. He reached the green on the difficult par-5 14th hole in two and was left with a tap-in for birdie when his eagle putt came up short. A bogey on the island green 17th hole was the only blot in an otherwise spotless back nine for Liquigan who mixed one birdie and four bogeys on his way out.
Arellano took the first runner-up position on 81 while Añonuevo, champion of the June tournament, clinched second runner-up on 85.
Despite the hot weather conditions 96 players teed it up for the 18-hole event sponsored by Stesa Company.
New Zealander Julian Bennet, a 9-handicap golfer, won Division A (handicap 0-14) via the countback from Ray Chaplow after both players scored a net 70. South African Mark Campbell was second runner-up on 73. A 12-handicapper, Campbell returned a gross score of 85 (44-41).
The jolly Charlie Chai, a Thai businessman who played off 15 handicap, ruled Division B (15-22) with a sparkling 67 with George Simpson and another Filipino, Tony Lizardo, rounding out the first three winners. Simpson, of BAE Systems, clinched first runner-up from Lizardo on countback after they both shot 68s. Lizardo lost his ball when he sliced his drive into deep rough on the second hole, ruining his chance at victory.
Seven-foot-tall Jaun Iskishll emerged champion in the Stableford format Division C (23-28) with 40 points. Korean Ik-won Park came second on 40 points and Neville Reilly third on 39 points.
The Ladies Division title race went to the countback with Swedish Anne Bjornsand beating Lois Barker after both players compiled 36 points.
Liquigan edged out Oca Domingo’s best effort to earn longest drive honors while Bennet nabbed the nearest to pin award.
Stesa CEO Remy Mineur and RGC Manager V.T.M. Rafi awarded prizes to the winners during the awards ceremony at the clubhouse.
