EJ Legarda Defends POGI Open Title
Becomes First Back-to-Back Champion

By: Joseph Vasquez

EASTON, PA, August 4, 2007 – What could be described as a storybook ending, EJ Legarda validated his previous POGI Open win by defending his title when he finished with a 78 as the only competitor to break 80 at Riverview Country Club.

Many were surprised to see him hoist the prestigious POGI Open trophy since he hasn’t been playing this year due to his duties as a first-time dad, but EJ was not surprised at all.

“I find it easier to put a good round together when I don’t play as much because the bad swing habits have not crept back in yet,” said EJ. “I’ve only played two rounds this year, but have been to the range just to keep my swing in gear.”

Similar to EJ’s first POGI Open win, there were several players chasing the boyish-looking champion.  Several players came out of the gate on fire and broke 40 on the front nine.  Nephew-Uncle tandem Cary Africa and Romy Francisco and SWAGGERS Lino Emnas and Oscar Briones all matched EJ’s front nine score of 39.  Coach Ed Amisola, bested everyone on the front nine with a 37.

There were others too that tried to turn their game around on the back nine to give the young dad a challenge.  Mercer Oaks member Dem Ilagan shot a 38 on the back nine and POGI Member Oliver Chavez matched EJ’s back nine with a 39. 

Unfortunately, everyone collapsed as they tried to challenge the former junior golf standout.

“There is always next year and I will definitely be back to compete,” declared Lino, who was one of the favorites to win this prestigious tournament.

One of the most ill-timed developments during the POGI Open was Coach Ed’s back injury.  Inspired by a column he read on the POGI Web site by this writer, Ed wanted to silence his critics that he only plays his best at Tamarack though he really had nothing prove as he had already won the POGI Open once before in 2004 and many other POGI tournaments.

Playing alongside PGA pro Gary Mackay, Oliver Chavez and myself, Ed came out with guns a blazing looking like Al Pacino in Scarface (some would say Joseph Estrada in one of his movies, but I am not familiar with any of them) as he birdied two holes on the front nine, chipped in for par on the first par three, and made every par saving putt from beyond 15 feet.  It was an amazing display of sheer will and talent.  Ed finished his front nine with a stellar 37.

“It’s only the 7th hole and I’m already down five,” said Oliver. “I’m going to need every shot in my bag to get back in this match.  He (Ed) is making everything.”

As we all know this is a fickle game and it doesn’t play favorites.  Brimming with confidence, Ed entered the back nine ready to tame the wild beast called golf, but golf won and almost ate him alive.  Not exactly.  It just injured his back and he had to withdraw from what could have been one of the best rounds ever in a POGI Open. 

A true gentleman and competitor, Ed continued to join his group for the rest of the round and stayed in a positive mood throughout.  In the end, he did tame the wild beast.

Another notable round was from honorary POGI member and resident golf pro Gary Mackay.  For him, it was a typical round as he finished with a two-over par 74.  Of course, those who witnessed his round were impressed to just be able to see how he plays golf.

His 74 could’ve easily been a 68 as he missed birdie opportunities that slid by or just stopped short of the cup.  His massive drives that averaged 300 yards were stunning for amateurs to see up close.  To give you perspective on how far Gary drives the ball, he was hitting from 150 yards on the par-5 18th hole.  

The experience playing with him was truly unforgettable.  It would be great if everyone had a chance to play with him.  As an honorary POGI member, I am sure he would give a discount to anyone interested in receiving lessons from him on or off the course. 

Overall, everyone agreed that it was another memorable POGI Open.  Riverview Country Club was in immaculate condition, and one of the finest golf courses we’ve played at in years.  It would be an ideal course for next year’s POGI Open.

Following is a list of winners and scores from the 6th POGI Open:

POGI Open Champion-Low Gross: EJ Legarda G78 / N71

Low Net Winners
Class A
Champion Lino Emnas G82 / N73
1st runner up Oliver Chavez G83 / N74
2nd runner up Mac Fojas G81 / N74

Class B
Champion Bong Mapa G85 / N72
1st runner up Dennis De Leon G88 / N74
2st runner up Vince Domantay G90 / N75

Class C
Champion Jay Lumang Jr. G98 / N69
1st runner up David Hsiung G86 / N72 (S36)
2nd runner up Kevin Liang G96 / N73

Longest Drive: Hank Hsu #10
Closest to the Pin: Frank Petry hole #6, Keats London hole #12