Golden Oats tests 2 Baguio courses

BAGUIO – The Golden Oats senior players have tested the courses of Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Golf Club and agreed there are two keys to success – execute precise fairway shots and putt meticulously on sleek greens.

With its tight, narrow fairways, Baguio Country Club requires players to think their way around the tough par-61 course to stay competitive in the Fil-Am golf tournament unfolding this week.

Over at the par-69 course of Camp John Hay, the fairways are wide but the greens are a little tricky because they are ultra-fast. In fact, in some greens, a player has to putt away from the hole because of the difficult surface.

“Nothing has changed here in Baguio. Every year, we always consider these two factors. I’m sure it will help us again this year, especially as we gun for a three-peat,” Golden Oats playing team manager Freddie Mendoza said.

Even new recruit Francis Gaston, the former national seniors’ champion who is accustomed to hot and humid conditions in his hometown Bacolod, is doing fine battling the usual cold winds in both layouts.

“I have been here before so I, more or less, know how to play them,” said Gaston, who will join Mendoza, reigning seniors champ Iggy Clavecilla, team skipper Florene delos Santos, and Bong Sison in the Fil Championship Division squad.

 Golden Oats made an impressive debut in 2006 against Camp John Hay. Last year, it escaped a fiery charge from the Highlanders.

“It won’t happen this time. We will start out strong and finish strong as well. We cannot let the other teams jump the gun on us. A good first round will definitely boost our confidence more,” said Mendoza.