Field of dreams
MANILA, Philippines - Anyone willing to get up at the crack of dawn and make the drive must have his eyes set on big things. As it turns out, 175 golf enthusiasts and aficionados had their sights set on winning the championship title and a chance to represent the Philippines in the Fourth Jack Nicklaus International Invitational (JNII), slated for October 2009 in Florida.
Held last June 15, 2009 at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite, the local qualifiers included showbiz mainstays Vic Sotto, Anjo Yllana, Olympian Monsour del Rosario, Vince Hizon, IGM’s Jong Arcano and Paul Soriano.
As early as 6 a.m., tournament hopefuls checked in for their Jack Nicklaus goodie bags and a quick breakfast; others stuck to their respective pre-game rituals.
Following a scramble tournament format, a shotgun tee-off launched each two-member team into competition mode. Clad in the latest Sunset Orange Jack Nicklaus MaxWear apparel, participants strived for that winning form. Fast greens with a speed of 11, combined with a heavy rough, could’ve easily challenged US Open conditions.
With Sherwood Hills carrying the Jack Nicklaus signature (named No. 85 in Golf Digest magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in the World”), the course played tough and fair, making it a true challenge for all participants. No problem, though, for the brother team of Richard and Bernard Joson. True to their competitive nature, both members of the Royal Northwoods Federation League Champion Team scored 10 under par. A double bogey on the 10th hole almost cost them the title but in the end they still merited another championship title and a chance to represent the Philippines in the upcoming international leg of the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational, to be held in Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida. The young but formidable brothers’ team will be fine Philippine representatives against their international competitors.
The second runners-up slot was a close fight with four teams all tied with one shot behind. Arnel Romero and Jan Tambogan emerged victorious. Romero’s familiarity with the Sherwood Hills course guided the young and multi-titled Tambogan to a final score of nine under par.
Aside from the all-expense-paid trip to Florida, the Joson brothers were awarded roundtrip tickets to Boracay courtesy of Seair, three days’/two nights’ accommodation at Nami Resort Boracay, sunglasses from Rudy Project and American Tourister luggage. Awarded to the second runners-up is three days’/two nights’ accommodation at Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point, La Union, Rudy Project watches, and luggage from American Tourister.
Other exciting prizes were raffled off in the Jack Nicklaus event, like cookware from Tefal and Princess, appliances from Rowenta and Conair, special award prizes from Kenzo Power, gift packs from Citre Shine, DEP Gels and Hawaiian Tropic, Ecco Golf Apparel, discount coupons from Rudy Project, Outback Steakhouse and an overnight accommodation at Astoria Plaza Hotel. Major raffle prizes also included a 2009 i2L Precedent Golf Cart from Club Car as well as a cash prize of P100,000 from International Armoring Corporation in the event of a hole in one; a Samsung 29-inch Slim-Fit Color TV from Pacific Hub; accommodations at Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point, La Union; roundtrip tickets for two to Guam courtesy of Philippine Airlines and Guam Visitors’ Bureau; and an Asian Cruise for two with roundtrip tickets to Singapore courtesy of Royal Caribbean Travel.
The tournament was also made possible by Sherwood Hills Golf Club and media partner Magic 89.9.
Jack Nicklaus is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation and is available in Jack Nicklaus counters at Rustan’s Dept. Stores Makati, Shangri-la Tower, Alabang, Gateway, Robinson’s Place Ermita, Cebu, SM Makati, Clark & Landmark TriNoma.
