RP golfers eye first-ever Nomura Cup title

NARITA, Japan – In two times that the Philippines finished second in the Nomura Cup, it never really had a chance to contend for the crown, losing by 17 strokes to Japan in 1971 and by 22 to Taiwan six years later.

The long spell could end this year when the likes of Juvic Pagunsan, Artemio Murakami, Jay Bayron and Erwin Vinluan try to combine their talent and skills and produce four superb rounds of golf in what is also known as the Asia-Pacific Golf Team Championship firing off tomorrow.

"With the way the boys are playing, I think we have a good chance this year," said noted swing guru Bong Lopez, now the man at the helm of the national pool tasked to mold its members into world-caliber players. The Filipinos had their first practice round at the Narita Golf Club yesterday, didn’t keep score in a wind-less morning game but found the up-and-down, par-72 layout to their liking.

By his wards’ standards, Lopez said the course appears not too daunting although it could change in character in the presence of the winds even as he expressed guarded optimism against a field teeming with talent.

"It won’t be easy, but I’m sure the boys will go all out to win this one. They’ve prepared hard for this," said Lopez.

The four-day event serves as part of the RP team’s buildup for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Manila and the National Golf Association of the Philippines, through the support of golf patron Ricky Razon, has provided the members of the national pool such kind of international exposure to toughen them up for the Manila SEAG slated Nov. 27-Dec. 5. In fact, the NGAP has lined up a series of international tournaments for both the men’s and the ladies teams in the next six weeks to further hone their talent and skills and at the same time ensure their readiness for the SEA Games.

"It’s been a long time since we contended for the crown. I’m confident we will have a good shot at this year’s championship with Pagunsan, Murakami, Bayron and Vinluan playing on the top of their respective games," said NGAP secretary-general Ret. Adm. Luisito Fernandez.

The Philippines’ best finish in the biennial event held alternately with the World Amateurs was second, twice in 1971 at Wack Wack and in 1997 in Malaysia. The Filipinos tied for fifth with Pakistan in 2003.

"We expect Pagunsan and Murakami to dish out their usual game and Bayron to play steady. What could give the team a big push is Vinluan, who we hope will explode," said RP team captain Gen. Bert Sabularse.

Although Australia will be without Nick Flanagan, Richard Moir and James Nitties, who steered the team to victory in the 2003 edition of this event in Port Douglas, Australia, it remains a force to reckon with.