Local team wins Ambassador Cup
Royal Yacht and Country Club foursome takes first title
Published January 6th, 2008
By Mario Sarmento
SPORTS EDITOR
After three straight years competing in the Puerto Rico Ambassador
Cup Tournament, Royal Yacht and Country Club members and golf pro
Chris Holtop were finally able to triumph.
In a field of 58 teams, and against competition from California,
Texas and other parts of the country, the Royal Yacht contingent shot
a 46-under-par over the course of three days to finish one shot ahead
of the runners-up.
It marked the culmination of a steady climb that has seen the Royal
Palm foursome go from sixth place the first year in the event to second
place last year to victory this year.
“It’s really a nice honor and it’s become a national
event,” said Holtop.
Joining him at the event were the same men who have participated
all three years – club members Manny Hernandez, Wayne Lobdell
and Gerry Milot.
Hernandez hit what proved to be the winning shot when he hit the
flagstick with his shot on the last hole and watched the ball role
four inches from the cup.
Hernandez, a Puerto Rican himself, was also instrumental in getting
the foursome involved in the event.
“It’s a nice opportunity for us to take members, guys
who spend time at the club,” Holtop said.
“The best part really is the people you meet and it’s
good competition.”
Holtop wasn’t just part of the winning team, he also won the
pro portion of the event by shooting a 6-under par.
He won by five total shots and shot a 71, 67 and 72 over the three
days.
“Any time you win a pro event with quality pros it’s
a nice honor,” he said.
Golf legend and Puerto Rican Chi Chi Rodriguez presented the first
place trophy, and he told the golfers, “It’s nice to see
a team collecting social security win.”
A promotional video from the event will air on FOX Sports in the
spring.
Holtop said he and the members of his group were featured in the
video last year.
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