Cebuano ace Lloyd Jefferson Go fell short in his title defense in the Philippine Amateur Stroke Play championship as he settled for third place at the tournament’s close yesterday at the Eagle Ridge’s Aoki course in General Trias, Cavite.
It was a tough uphill climb for the Cebu Country Club ace who dug himself into a hole earlier in the week after a sub-par first round performance.
He came back strong in the next two rounds but fell short after firing in a 73 for a four-day total of 295.
Afterwards, Go rued his unfamiliarity with the course but vowed to bounce back strong in the competitions to come.
“It’s a tough course to play in especially when you’re not familiar with it,” said Go in a talk yesterday afternoon.
Go is set to leave for the United States later this week and resume his studies and athletic responsibilities for NCAA Division 1 school, Seton Hall.
CARLOS WINS TITLE
The day and ultimately, the title belonged to pro-bound Jobim Carlos, who outclassed contender Rupert Zaragosa down the stretch to win it all.
He won by three strokes after carding a 72 during the final day of the tournament.
Carlos cashed in on a crucial two-shot swing on No. 15, birdying the par-5 hole and watched Zaragosa three-putt for bogey to regain a two-shot lead. He then came through with a par-par-birdie finish to complete a three-stroke victory on a 289 aggregate in a fitting valedictory to his amateur career.
It was sorry foldup for Zaragosa, who started the final round one shot behind and fell by two at the turn despite an eagle on No. 7. But he birdied the par-5 12th and pounced on Carlos’ bogey on No. 14 to draw level at the windy layout.