The Wellington Filipino Sports Association representing New Zealand won the 2014 Biennial Fil Trans -Tasman Golf Challenge on October 11 in Wellington, Tasmania. Taking part were 11 golfers and six spouses from Sydney and Canberra who travelled to Wellington to represent Australia.
By RIC DE VERA
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The event was hosted by WFSA headed by Archie Milo who correspondingly matched the number of guest golfers from his team.
The final result was a sweep for the Kiwis, including the novelty prizes.
“I am very excited and very happy because this is our first time to host this event,” said an ecstatic Milo. “My appreciation and thanks to Lito, Boni, Nelson, Soli, Elier and the rest of my team for supporting me in making this tournament a success” he finally said.
The first day on Saturday was held at Karori Golf Club using 4-BBB team match play. The score was 3.5 points for the Kiwis and 2 points for the Aussies.
It was more of an acquaintance game plus camaraderie whilst playing the game of golf that we loved. Fil-oz captain, Art Bandian was more than happy for the first day’s score and expected to reverse the trend on the second day.
The second and final day was played at Miramar Golf Club using Individual match play under the perfect sunshine but windy weather condition.
The Aussies tried hard to score in this lovely course, but as some golfers were resigned: “That’s the game of golf,” they said.
The result was 7.5 for the Kiwis as against 3.5 for the visitors. Hence, total for the event was 11 points for the Kiwis versus 5.5 points for the Aussies.
Overall Individual winners with their corresponding state origin were: Nelson Laureles (NZ) for Best gross score of 171 strokes, ElierTingzon (NZ) for Best net score of 143 strokes and Lito Magadia (NZ) for Best stableford score of 69 points. These winners received trophies and golf balls for their excellent efforts.
Best stableford score for first day was Soli Noval (NZ) with 34 points followed by ElierTingzon (NZ) with 43 points for the second day. These winners were awarded box of golf balls for their win.
Novelty prizes were awarded golf balls to the following:
* Nearest the Pins on two Par 3’s at Karori – Lito Magadia (NZ) and Nelson Laureles (NZ).
* Nearest the Pins on two Par 3’s at Miramar – Bert Bugayong (OZ) and Erika Cui (NZ).
* Closest to the Pins in two strokes at Karori – Gaddee Soriano of OZ.
* Closest to the Pins in two strokes at Miramar – Lito Magadia of NZ.
* Longest drive at Karori – ElierTingzon of NZ. Longest drive at Miramar – Erika Cui of NZ
* Special Longest drive cash prize of $50 donated by Bert Bugayong won by Lito Magadia.
* Most special players during the event as picked by the team captains were lady golfers Grace Gueco of Australia and Erika Cui of New Zealand. They were awarded golf balls.
The awards ceremony followed immediately at Miramar Golf Club function room.
As part of the pre-tournament function, the Australians paid a courtesy call to Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Virginia H. Benavidez, on Friday at the “Ang Bahay”, the Ambassador’s official residence.
The next Trans-Tasman golf challenge will be held in Australia in 2016. Auckland and Wellington golfers promised defend the Cup.
PICTURE:
New Zealand team president Archie Milo, centre, holds aloft the 2014 Trans-Tasman Golf Challenge Perpetual Trophy.
