Ian Loleng Conquers "Thunderstorm Cup"

The President's Cup has a new monicker - "The Thunderstorm Cup" or the "Heat Wave Challenge" - but however you may call it, Ian Loleng was geared up to the teeth for battle of wits, skills and determination. He didn't have to think twice about driving back from Washington D.C. on Saturday night where he attended his daughter's graduation to catch the 2nd Round of the President's Cup at Great Gorge the next day. Afterall, he is running 2nd in his quest for that elusive major trophy after shooting a net 66 at Shirley three weeks ago. He didn't even flinch at the passing thunderstorm that sent everybody scampering for safety at the club house. Once the tournament was re-started after the storm passed, Loleng went back to business to claim his first major trophy with a net 75, finishing at net 141 - four strokes clear of early leader Fran Pineda.

"My tee-shots were off but my short game saved me. The thunderstorm and the scorching 96 degree temperature didn't bother me at all. I was focused on winning that Cup," Loleng said of his round with new member RJ Hofilena, Nelson "NJ" Judan and Match Play Champ Willy Libid, who incidentally has been on a slump lately.

Long hitting Frank Asante-Kissi made the day for himself on Lake #1 after he eagled the par-5 hole greening his 7-iron second shot on a 300-yard drive. To put it succinctly, it was just amazing.

Samantha Edwards couldn't be happier with a Class C championship after she won it with a net 73 despite a tight schedule to get back to Manhattan for a baby shower. Isn't that cute?

Repeating a Class B championship on a NJ course is Jerry Pabalan who won it with a net 68. New member Doy Nakar won the Class A trophy (tie-breaker with Bong Alorro at net 70).

And so the scramble for the Magic 32 continues as players make sure that they get the necessary points to earn a spot at the exciting Match Play Championships that will start with Cherry Creek on August 10. Mila Alegre went without her husband to preserve her 26th place standing, while husband Gie sits precariously at #30. Only a few points separate Davis Tong from the other would-be contenders for the last spots - Jeff Labrador, Boyet Cabildo, Doy Nakar, Camro Lobo, Celo Ventura and last year's semi-finalist Benno Tan. Conspicuously absent are last year's finalists Andy Zapata and Willy Libid., who are 53rd and 62nd place respectively.