Pros strut stuff anew in Konica-UBIX Manila Open

After a long, long layoff, the country’s touring pros finally get the chance to compete anew when the Konica-UBIX Manila Open is played Nov. 8-11 at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club course.

The country’s top pros, led by Cassius Casas and Robert Pactolerin, are expected to vie for the top purse of P200,000 from a total money prize of P1 million staked in the event, the first local pro tournament to be staged this year after the Asian PGA Tour’s Casino Filipino Open in February.

Bert Bravo, president and CEO of the sponsoring UBIX Corp., said a pro-am tournament will spice up the event in line with the company’s commitment to support the amateurs and the national golf development program.

Participation of the amateurs, however, will be by invitation and limited to those with 4 handicap and lower and guests of the sponsoring firm.

Expected to hit the ceremonial balls are Kahori Hisano, head of the Asian sales group of Konica Japan; NGAP president Rod Feliciano; Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Hur Abalos; WW president Ben Abalos; Paul Ching of Mitsubishi Motors, Mel Dizon of Citimotors, and Bravo.

Pros interested to join may register with the PGAP at Rod Taylor Range (635-0875); Nevada Bob’s, Makati (899-6438/8188884); and UBIX (897-6819 loc. 104).

Konica Corp., Japan and UBIX Corp. are the main sponsors of the event. It is supported by Epson Phils., Union Bank, Facilities Managers, Inc., Master Franchisee of Service Master USA, Okamura Office Systems, Superior Chair, Nevada Bob’s, Seiko S-Yard golf equipment and Caffe Appassionato.