Inspired by its successful staging last year, the sponsors have decided to raise last year’s total prize money by 10 percent, thus lining up the four-day event as one of the country’s major championships.
In fact, the upcoming tournament, with a princely P1.1-million first prize up for grabs, is already considered a major golfing event, which the pros look forward to with great interest and enthusiasm.
"The tournament was launched last year by Enrique Razon Jr. to honor the memory of his father, Don Pocholo, an avid golfer like him," said Vince Villafuerte, president of the organizing Videocom.
Cassius Casas will be out to make it two-in-a-row after winning the inaugural tournament with a four-stroke victory over Benjie Magada and Antonio Lascuña. But the dusky Davaoeño shotmaker is expected to have his hands full against the cream of the local pro crop, including Frankie Miñoza, who is expected to join the hunt for the crown and atone for his 11th place finish last year.
An 18-hole pro-am tournament on March 17 will precede the event with some of the country’s golfing executives and the hosts’ invitees expected to see action.
Villafuerte said the top 21 finishers in last year’s inaugurals have been given automatic slots with the rest of the 44-player field to be tapped by the sponsors, headed by the younger Razon.
Aside from Casas, Magada, Lascuña and Miñoza, others seeded into the event are Richard Sinfuego, Mars Pucay, Gerald Rosales, Ruben Sasutil, Cookie La’O, Rey Pagunsan, Robert Pactolerin, Angelo Que, Elmer Salvador, Ruben Sasutil, Cesar Ababa, Dan Cruz, Danny Zarate, Ramil Bisera, Rodrigo Cuello, Eddie Bagtas, Ronald Pactolerin and Rey Alit.
To underscore its commitment to help not only the pros but the amateurs as well, the sponsors have invited the country’s top four amateurs to play in the event in an effort to provide them the proper venue to hone their talents and skills.