Davao’s Jun golf sensation Zeus Sara annihilated the flat terrain of the Don Paco Rocamora Golf course in Mati by firing a new course record of 65 or 7 under par giving him the Overall Gross title of the DDGM Golf Tournament on April 11 to13,2024. Ryan Guiang shared the honors by getting the Overall Net plum with his eagle aided score of Net 70.
Mati City became the battle ground of more than 150 golfers mostly from Davao City and joined by other out of towners who trooped and tested the mettle of the newly refurbished Don Paco Rocamora Golf course managed by Danny Afdal , the son of the late Col Samuel Afdal
“So far this has been the biggest golf spectacle in Mati in years” says Popoy Trocio, tournament director and District Deputy Grand Master, Masonic District Region XI . “We are glad by the support of various golf clubs and organizations who trooped all the way from Davao. The Recovery 5:30 group headed by Eugene Chiong, The Forefathers headed by Atty Batacan, The Fore the boys, the Boys Flight headed by George Pineda, the Mixed Nuts Group headed by Raul Cabrera and the other groups from the old Matina, golfers from Apo and South Pacific, the Eaglemasters represented by Tony Batao and to all the brother Masons who in one way or another extended their help to make this tournament a success”.
Golfers were challenged by the sun-baked hardened fairways of the Don Rocamora golf but feel nostalgic when making a putt on the greens. It reminds most golfers of the Matina golf greens of olden days. Slick, biting and demands a precise approach shot to remain on top of the green.
Veteran golfer Larry Baluso took the Class A plum with his gross 73 aided by two birdies with Paul Garcia (74) and Boyet Sanico (75) settling for first runner up and second runner up honors.
Manfred Lawas (72) grabbed the Class A net title with is 5 birdies for a net score of 67. Edge Davao columnist Chito Malabanan (74) aided with 4 birdies settled for first runner up with his 68 with Jun Matilla completing the podium cast with his 69 for second runner up honors.
Special awards were also given on some designated holes during the three-day tourney. Zeus Sarah grabbed the Longest Drive award, Inaki Sievert (Most Accurate Drive), Roland Jumawan (Nearest to the Pin, 16.6 inches) and Quincy Quinones the Longest putt (6.2m)
For Class B division, Quincy Quinones (79) took the Low gross diadem with Ed Afdal (82) and Ed Batacan (83) settling for first and second runner up honors respectively. Sherwin Forro (70) got the Lowest Net plum by countback over Edgar Neri (70) with Ynoc Yuson (71) settling for the second runner up honors.
Class C Division Gross champion title honors goes to Edward Sevilla (91) with Wendel Sabado (92) and Iking Atillo (94) completing the podium cast. Photo journalist Roland Jumawan (72) grabbed the Net Title plum with Dennis Asuncion (75) and Rene Arbuso (79) got the honors for first and second runner up.
Ageless Tony Bautista (78) got the distinction as Gross Champion for Seniors Division with George Pineda (80) and Rico Trajano (82) completing the cast as first and second runner up winners. Veteran emcee and entertainer Ting Castillo meanwhile showed he still have some juice by taking home the Net Title Plum for Seniors with his 68 net score. Marlon Tabanao (71) won by countback over Dondee Solis for the first runner up honors.
In the distaff side, Jing Torres, the proud mom of Zeus Sara shared the limelight by grabbing the Lowest gross diadem with her 82 over Alyssa Quiogue (87) and Cha Kato (90) who settled for first and second runner up honors. The lone rose among the thorn from Recovery 5:30 group Faye Jayno (71) took home the Ladies Net title over South Pacific’s Ruby Sato (75) and Nelcil Osigan (77) who contend themselves with the first and second runner up honors.
“Each golfer who participated in this tournament will make our beneficiaries, Club Footed and Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Children smile” said Popoy Trocio in his closing statements. “This tournament is a testament to our collaborative spirit and philanthropic dedication with our partners, the Agila Shriners Mt. Hamiguitan (Davao Oriental) Chapter, Masters of Green Jacket Golf Club, Inc, the Dr. Resuldo D. Malintad Mati City Chapter No. 117 Order of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters International Bethel Tagum UD, and the Sports Foundation of St. Andrew (SFOSA)” he concluded.
Golfers while away the time entertained by TV personality, movie actor, comedian and celebrity golfer Gary Lim. The Army battalion band base in Mati provided music and entertainment during the raffle time and while golfers are taking their sumptuous dinner. Nobody went home empty handed as organizers made it possible that minor raffle prizes are given to every golfer.
“Daghang Salamat and I hope to see you again here in Mati for our next tournaments” concluded Danny Afdal, the son of the late Col Sammy Afdal in his closing statement.
