12 nations vie in Aspac jungolf

Twelve countries represented by the region’s best young players are seeing action in the inaugural Asia-Pacific Junior Masters set Dec. 10-13 at the Legends course of the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite.

Joining host Philippines in the tourney which features seasoned players 17 years and under are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States.

With about 50 foreign jungolfers already confirmed to arrive, the organizing Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines in coordination with the Asia-Pacific Junior Golf Confederation is still awaiting word from at least three more countries, Sri Lanka, Mainland China and Australia.

Each participating nation will be fielding a maximum of two players each in the girls and boys divisions who will compete only for the individual titles.

Manila Southwoods is throwing its full support behind the project as well as the Department of Tourism.

Amalia "Mommy" Montecillo said that the Philippines has been given the distinct honor of hosting the first edition of the tourney mainly because of the country’s role in the promotion of junior golf in the region. The Masters is apart from the annual Asia-Pacific jungolf championships.

"We hope to create an impression that we just don’t have nice golf courses but a beautiful and safe country as well," said Montecillo, who pioneered the local jungolf movement.

Meanwhile, Jungolf president Merwin Mediana announced that the annual anniversary tournament will be held on Dec. 23 at Riviera.