Ric de Vera, GOLF CORNER columnist – Mr. HUNG CHUN , a member of Carnarvon Golf Club prevailed as over-all champion in the 2016 Thelma Castillo’s Memorial Cup organised by Philippine Australian Sports & Culture, Inc. (PASC) headed by Manny Castillo.
This was held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at the Hurstville Golf Course. Hung Chun scored stunning 41 stableford points using his playing handicap of 16 and ran away with the monumental trophy plus $150 cash for his unbeatable efforts.
Division winners were Phil Zongo with his score of 40 points using his 12 handicap for Division 1 and Man-E Castillo with his score of 36 points from his 36 handicap for Division 2. Both division winners received trophy plus $100 cash each.
Division runners up were Brett Ey scoring 39 points from 19 handicap for Division 1 and Ric de Vera scoring 34 points from his handicap of 25 for Division 2. Again, both runners up received trophy plus $50 cash each.
The tournament’s hard working coordinator Ms. Laur Marquinez took the Ladies Champion trophy followed by Narelle Hellyer as first runner up.
Nearest the pins, best drive & pitch and longest drive were awarded trophies as follows: Phil Zongo (Longest drive on hole 9 & NTP on hole 2), Anthony Ramos (Longest drive on hole 15), Tippy Phatarnat (Drive & pitch on hole 5), Man-E Castillo (Drive & pitch on hole 10) and Nanette Hellyer (NTP on hole 12).
On behalf of convenor Mr. Manny Castillo who was in Manila, Ms Laura Marquinez welcomed participants and acknowledged the presence of reigning Miss Philippine -Australia 2015 Ms Rica Sey who assisted in awards presentation.
Acknowledged also were the Castillo children, Benny & Manny E Junior for donating the cash prizes, and PASC members who volunteered in preparing the BBQ food.
The Thelma Castillo’s Memorial cup is held in honour of the late wife of Manny Castillo Mrs Thelma Castillo who died of stroke five years ago. Thelma was a golfer herself and was coordinator of the beauty pageant portion of the long running Grand Philippine Fiesta Kultura, held annually by PASC. The tournament is now on it its fifth year and is sponsored in 2016 by World Remit money transfers.
MEANWHILE, Troy Gara won the second Alano Memorial Golf tournament organised by Sydney Puro Golfers (SPG) social golf club, held at Rumcorp Golf course lase 30 January 30, 2016.
SPG President Serge Jumonong presented Gara the 2016 overall champion perpetual trophy, donated by golfing aficionado Mr. Renato “Boy” Alano.
The Alano Memorial golf tournament is held in memory of the deceased father, mother and two brothers of Renato “Boy” Alano. This is the first major tournament of Sydney Puro Golfers for the calendar year 2016.
The tournament was followed by sumptuous BBQ lunch to the delight of all participants.
“Thank you everyone for participating in the 2016 Alano Memorial golf tournament and enjoying the camaraderie and the fantastic day with friends” said an ecstatic Mr Renato Alano.
Watch for the next issue of this column for the final results of the 22nd Fil-Aussie Interstate Friendship golf tournament to be held in Manila on March 7-11, 2016.
Booked golf courses for the tournament are Eagle Ridge Golf club, Ayala Greenfield Golf club & Mt Malarayat Golf & Country Club with around 90 golfers coming from all over Australia now registered to play.