Most of us are dreamy eyed when entering a golf season hoping to seize the rare opportunity that everyone else wants – winning an award. With the SGC golf season ending, Jess Velarde not only captured an award but getting it done on the biggest stage by winning both the POY (Player of the Year) and the MIP (Most Improved Player) major awards. The timing couldn’t have been better as Jess turned the corner for this year’s contest with his remarkable performance.
From L to R: Jimmy Manguerra, Sangva Sok, Joey Cruz
Other great performances were at stunning display by Grand Finals winners – Jimmy Manguerra and Sangva Sok. Playing Lakeridge Links and Kingsforest courses was unlikely a walk in the park without course management at all for these two players. SGC also appreciates a non-award category, and it is also quite an inspiring effort for the rest of the members with a perfect 24-game attendance by Joey Cruz.
At long last, the 2023 GTA Tournament was held at Bethesda Grange golf course last Saturday hosted by Philcan organization which in turn won the LBC Cargo trophy by beating five other teams. It was a successful event with one hundred and forty-four players participating. Although SGC finished dead last accumulating the worst points as a team, SGC did not completely come empty handed. Two of its top players won the best gross and best net awards in the top “A” player category. Jimmy Manguerra was able to beat out the rest of the field with a 75 gross card while Manny Chea powered himself to capturing the best net score of 69. The latter also was able to secure the Nassau net front tying another SGC member, Julio Rodriguez. SGC appreciates the involvement and support of its members.
Please note: Starting Round 7 at Kingsforest, June 4, 2023, there are no more net adjustments applied to the net scores due to the new handicapping process used.
On October 10, 2022, Thursday, I was watching an NHL (National Hockey League) game. It was the Toronto Maple Leafs facing against the undefeated Dallas Stars with only four games into the season. It was a tight game as a matter of fact the game went to overtime. The Leafs brought up three players from the minors due to injuries and lackluster effort from their regulars. One of them was a player named Nicholas Robertson who is trying to secure himself a roster spot for the 2022-23 season. His older brother, Jason plays for Dallas Stars.
Nicholas Robertson scored two goals including the OT winner in his season debut, as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Dallas Stars 3-2 in overtime. Nick Robertson was entrapped in the minor leagues although it was no fault of his own. Now, he’s an overtime hero for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hopefully Nicholas stays to a regular spot with his team, but rumors spread he is now groomed to be traded while his value is worth mentioning. Good luck.
Nicholas Robertson is a Fil-Am (Filipino-American) and this is his bio (Source from Wikipedia): He was born on September 11, 2001, in Arcadia, California, to parents Hugh and Mercedes. His mother was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to North America as a child where she would meet her Michigan-born husband. Nicholas began playing minor hockey while living in Southern California before moving to Michigan at eight years old for better hockey opportunities.
Congratulations to the deserving winners of 2022 SGC annual tournament.
Rain or shine, these two SGC members participated and played to a perfect attendance. Well, they can play good golf too.
Yuka Saso, a half Japanese, half Filipino lady golfer from the Philippines probably could not have imagined she would be the one holding the trophy of the 2021 US Open Women Golf Championship held in San Francisco, California, USA. She won herself the prize money of a cool US $1 million. Still a teenager at 19 years old, Yuka was one of the youngest to win it. Another Korean player won it in 2008 at exactly the same age. Mind you, Yuka Saso prior to her win was not even a member of the LPGA. She created history for the Philippines at the 2018 Asian Games by winning the first ever gold medal for the Philippines in both women’s individual and women’s team event in Asian Games golf competitions.
The players who participated admired playing the golf course because of its setup and considered this course as one of the hardest as indicated by the low scores.
Congratulations. Step aside please, Mr. Manny Pacquiao.
SGC laments the passing of an old-time member who also used to serve as president of SGC in the early ‘80s, Edi Martelino. On behalf of SGC’s current and past members who used to play golf with Ed back then, we extend our prayers for Ed’s family. May you RIP Mr. Martelino.