Bayron, Ikeda gun for title repeat in DHL amateur golf

Rufino Bayron and Chihiro Ikeda hope to dish out fine form as they shoot for back-to-back titles in the DHL-WWWExpress National Amateur Golf Championships beginning Feb. 10 at the north course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Bayron and Ikeda romped away with last year’s crowns with the two mainstays of the ICTSI-backed squad tipped to lead the title hunt again in the 14th staging of the annual event put up by DHL and WWWExpress to provide the country’s top amateurs a venue where they could hone their talent and skills.

Meanwhile, the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines is inviting other players to join the tournament, a 72-hole stroke play competition for the men’s and a 54-hole tourney for the ladies. The event is open to men and ladies amateurs with handicap indices of 0-7 for men and 0-10 for women.

The NGAP is also expecting players from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to join the event, which also features a three-to-play, two-to-count, 54-hole team competition.

“I am doing this for the local and Southeast Asian players to improve their game and for the development of golf in the SEA region,” said DHL president Rod Feliciano.

Registration is ongoing with deadline set on Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. Entry fees are pegged at P2,500 for men and P2,000 for women, inclusive of one free practice round on Feb. 9. For details, contact NGAP at Rm. 307, Bldg. B, Philsports Complex (Ultra), Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, MM, Philippines 1603, (02) 5179778/5577849 or fax no. (02) 8313094 or (Canlubang Golf & CC) at (049) 549-1363.

Bayron, who humbled the pros to win the Valley leg of the Philippine Golf Tour late last year, will be joined by teammates Ferdie Aunzo, the reigning national champion, Anthony Fernando and Antonio Asistio plus the crack Calatagan and club bets led by Jhonnel Ababa, Mark Fernando and Jessie Balasabas.

Louise Manalo, fresh from her victory in the Philippine Ladies Open at Southwoods, will be out to challenge Ikeda in the ladies side along with reigning back-to-back national champion Anya Tanpinco and Regina de Guzman.