March 29, 2024

Golfers from Mankayan, Benguet proved they can easily dominate the game outside their territory when they topped the inter-municipal and open divisions of the 5th Adivay Golf Cup at Pinewoods Golf & Country Club on Nov. 11 and 12.

Led by seasoned player Sammy Sab-it, the Mankayan team with Jeremiah Guanso, Henry Rosito, Ramir Badua, and Mars Modon combined for 136 Molave points to win the inter-municipality division that was well participated by all 13 towns of Benguet.

ADIVAY CHAMPIONS, FINALLY — Team Mankayan members composed of Ramir Badua, Henry Rosito, Marcelino Modon, Jeremiah Guanso, and Samuel Sab-it, who once played with outdated clubs at the Lepanto Golf Club in Sapid, Mankayan,Benguet, proved they are players to beat when they topped the municipality division of the 5th Adivay Golf Cup at Pinewoods Golf & Country Club on weekend with Police Regional Office-Cordillera Director, B/Gen. Mafy Bazar, handing over their trophies. Meanwhile, George Punasen (inset) of Tuba team has emerged the best player with four under par 72 with tournament chair Casio Paris, Jr. handing over his trophy. — Harley Palangchao

Sab-it also placed second in the individual event of the inter-municipality division with two over par 72.

Rosito, meanwhile, became an instant celebrity player when he aced hole nine using a Nike 52 wedge and a Titliest 2 ball. He received a cash prize of P19,500 pooled by members of Pines Kumpadres Golf Club, Inc. led by its president and tournament co-chair Marty Manayos.

Team Tuba, which is the inaugural champion, this time placed second with 130 points courtesy of players George Punasen, George Fukai, Francis Cuyop, and Donald Daganos.

Punasen has also emerged as the overall individual champion  in the inter-municipality division when he fired four under par 72, one of the best tournament scores at PGCC.

Team Rodekom, composed of players mostly from Mankayan, namely Alban Ayugat, Novy Mendoza, Gimble Maccanoy, and Rockson Abeya, combined for 140 points to emerge as champion in the open division that saw the participation of more than 20 teams.

Ayugat also won as individual champion in the open division with 41 points while Roel Poliquit of Team Magay was the first runner-up, also with 41 points.

Team Mankayan II composed of Franky Miranda with Hazy Jones Miranda, Reynaldo Pasiwen, Kyrus Pasiwen, and Rey Angel scored an aggregate 133 points for a first runner-up finish.

Kyrus Pasiwen won the longest drive award while Chito Jacinto won the nearest to the pin award.

Pol Mayos of Atok team is the new putting champion with a cash prize of P5,500.

This year’s tournament executive committee chaired by Casio Paris, Jr. also delivered cash assistance to four terminally-ill patients from Benguet from the proceeds of the event.

Through their representatives, patients Jacinta Galong, Ricky Dalmacio, Mark Edemson Coquia, and Jeryca Paleyan thanked the 163 players, especially the company and individual sponsors who made the event successful.

The annual tournament, which is an official event of the Adivay Festival, will be chaired by Benguet Vice Gov. Ericson Felipe in 2023. – Harley F. Palangchao