RIYADH: For the first time in years, Pinoy golfers from the major cities in the Kingdom took part in the Kalayaan Cup held annually by the FGA (Filipino Golf Association) in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.

Friday, there were about 40 players from Jeddah, Jubail, Alkhobar and host Riyadh that teed it up for the FGA Kalayaan Cup 2016 at Dirab Golf & Country Club on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Chito Malabanan, from Alkhobar, won the Best Net title on 71 from gross score of 83 and 12 handicap.

A second generation FGA member in Riyadh, John Calupas, took the 1st runner-up position on 71 (93-21). Alex Arellano claimed 2nd runner-up on countback from Boiet Carigma after both players tied on 73. The veteran Arellano edged Carigma when the back nine scores were compared 38-41 to break the tie.

Resty Sibug, past FGA president who arrived in Riyadh from vacation in his native Candaba, Pampanga, just a few days before the tournament, clinched the Best Gross crown on 76 despite not picking up a club for about a month.

The event forms part of the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebrations that were moved up in anticipation of the start of Ramadan.

Ambassador Ezzedin Tago, who has not missed the Kalayaan Cup since he became the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Saudi Arabia and Yemen in 2011, handed out trophies to the winners during the awards ceremony. He commended the FGA for its active role in the community.

Also present at the awarding was the Dirab Golf & Country Club Manager Bouchaib El Jadiani who appreciated the FGA for helping promote golf in Saudi Arabia.

Tago also inducted into office the new set of FGA officers as follows: Alan Malawanda, president; Luke Lacaden, vice president; Al Gatbunton, secretary; Joe Vallado, treasurer; Nick Palce, auditor; Mike Principe, Eastern Province coordinator; and Alex Arellano, technical committee.

The tournament, sponsored by Al-Haram for Import and Export Co. and Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, was the first under the leadership of Malawanda who was inspired into making bigger things ahead for the FGA with the show of support last Friday.

Malawanda thanked everyone for contributing to the successful staging of the Kalayaan Cup 2016. Sibug emceed the awards ceremony.