Lawyer Ramir Badua has emerged anew as the overall champion in the 3rd annual match play of Pines Kumpadres Golf Club, Inc. after three months of weekend games while observing health protocols.
Badua finished the exciting match play against young businessman and class B champion Aaron Cadiogan at hole 16 of the par-72 Pinewoods Golf & Country Club and retained the title he first won in 2019.
The match play was suspended last year due to the pandemic.
Badua started hot with a birdie at the par-5 hole one to take the initial lead, which he sustained up to hole six before taking the charge in the next succeeding holes with five up at hole 10.
Cadiogan recovered with a birdie at hole 11 to cut Badua’s lead to four but the latter answered with a birdie to retain a five-up and there was no turning back until hole 16 where he sealed the win.
It was a tough first title defense for Badua, who was defeated by class A runner-up Warren Dagupon in the first game of the twice-to-beat advantage format in his favor. Badua eventually won in the second game to advance in the finals.
Cadiogan, on the other hand, was the only player in the class B who reached the division finals with perfect seven wins. He first eliminated Samuel Salvador in the semi-finals then clinched the division title with a win over lawyer George Dumawing.
Salvador, who has a handicap of more than 20, emerged as the class C champion.
The weekend match play games were held with minimum of two players per flight and a maximum of four in compliance to health protocols.
The annual PKGCI aims to further improve the golfing skills of members while promoting the value of integrity and honesty among participants, who must ensure strict adherence to a standard value or conduct while in and out of the fairway. – Harley F. Palangchao
