Bayron, three others crowd TCC Invitational leaderboard

By Adrian Flores

Filipinos Jay Bayron, Clyde Mondilla and Jessie Balasabas with Dutchman Guido Van der Valk all scored 73s to lead the way after the opening round of The Country Club Invitational in Canlubang.

The TCC Invitational, also known as the Memorial Cup in honor of Don Pocholo Razon, grandfather of ultra bilyonaryo Enrique K. Razon Jr. of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).

Jhonel Ababa, Marvin Dumandan and Mars Pucay have identical 74s in the P6-million tournament held at The Country Club to kick off the new season of the Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by ICTSI.

Michael Bibat, Albin Engino, Sean Ramos and Rupert Zaragosa each turned in a 75 while Ira Alido, Art Arbole and LJ Go followed with 76s.

Former champions Tony Lascuna (2004), Micah Shin (2018) and Minoza all bogeyed the last hole for 77s for a tie with Joenard Rates, Zanieboy Gialon and Gerald Rosales.

France’s Boutier grabs LPGA Drive On lead

France’s Celine Boutier posted an eagle and six birdies in a seven-under par 65 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead in the US LPGA Drive On Championship at Superstition Mountain, Arizona.

Big-driving McIlroy, Scheffler, Rahm win at WGC Match Play

An amazing tee shot by Rory McIlroy led the world number three to join top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler and second-ranked Jon Rahm in capturing clutch victories from Thursday’s second group matches at the WGC Match Play Championship.