Miñoza to invade tour’s Davao leg

The long-awaited appearance of the country’s most eminent pro golfer in the First Gentleman’s Professional Golf Circuit finally happens as Frankie Miñoza joins the Rancho Palos Verdes leg blasting off today in Mandug/Indanga, Davao.

The international celebrity hounded by doubts on his winning appetite after last year’s lackluster Japan Tour campaign will be up against a hungry local horde out for a big bite on the P600,000 prize pie in the tourney bankrolled by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s foundation and San Miguel.

Forget about the money for the moment. This rare Miñoza stint on homeground is really for everybody’s benefit.

Miñoza who has not tasted victory since the Fujisankei Classic in May 2001 headlines what is expected to be the biggest starting rosters in the south, the bulk of which was scheduled to arrive late yesterday afternoon in Davao after availing themselves of WG&A Super Ferry’s free transport.

And Miñoza may well be just the man Benjie Magada, the hottest player on tour organized by the Federation of Golf Clubs Philippines, Inc., is waiting for.

Magada had picked up victories in Iloilo and in Cebu where he set the biggest winning margin so far of eight strokes this season. Impressive finishes in the other legs made him the surprise leader of the Order of Merit going after six events.

Davao’s army of pro hotshots will be there to stir up the fight for the P100,000 champion’s money.

But for players like Sta. Elena leg winner Antonio Lascuna and Cassius Casas, who went back to the doldrums after winning at Sherwood Hills, to avert an expected Miñoza romp, they will have to come close to the consistency Magada had shown so far.

Danny Zarate, who had become the most successful among the under-achieving overseas campaigners, is also out to corner his first leg victory before embarking on his Asian Tour campaign where he finished 41st in the rankings last season.

Miñoza’s decision to join the start of the Tour’s Mindanao swing drew praises from the key figures that made the revival of the tour possible.

"At a time when the pro tour is trying to encourage more sponsorships, the support of Miñoza is something we really need. With him around, the competition will become even more exciting," said Arroyo.

Comelec chair Ben Abalos, who is also the commissioner of the pro golf body, said Miñoza is doing an "unselfish act" which is proof to his being a favorite son of Mindanao.

"When he could have just stayed in Bukidnon and enjoy his vacation, Frankie has provided the First Gentleman’s Circuit with his exhilarating presence that will definitely elevate the level of play," said Abalos.

Marc Pucay as well as Angelo Que, the rookie who scored a breakthrough win in Bacolod, and Marlon Dizon will not be around since they are currently in Malaysia joining the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School.

Chances are Miñoza, who placed 23rd in the 2002 Philippine Open which was the only local event he played, will join the entire Mindanao swing since the next two stops are to be held in his home province, the Pueblo del Oro and Del Monte stages.