In the latest Asian Tour Pte. Ltd. 104-player roster, Minoza’s name was not included with only five Filipinos given exemptions in various categories although a qualifying tournament for the local pros will be held this week to complete the projected 156-player registry, including amateurs.
Minoza, 45, pulled out on the eve of the RP Open last year at The Riviera due to miscommunication with the organizing NGAP (National Golf Association of the Phils.) regarding the stint of his Japanese guests. But the NGAP, in a gesture of reconciliation, invited the ace Filipino player last month to play in the $200,000 championship serving as the 11th leg of the Asian Tour.
Also missing in the list is American Edward Michaels, who held off Filipino amateur Juvic Pagunsan to capture his first-ever crown by three shots.
Minoza will indeed be missed, especially now that Asia’s former No. 1 and six-time winner on the Japan PGA Tour has somewhat regained his form based on his strong joint fourth place finish with Scot Colin Montgomerie in the Indonesian Open last March. – Dante Navarro