P2.5 million RP Open to unfold at Malarayat

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Open, Asia’s oldest national golf championship, will still have its 2009 edition despite the recent calamities that hit the country.

The National Golf Association of the Philippines, backed by the Aboitiz Group, San Miguel Corp. and Stradcom, is holding the 93rd RP Open on Dec. 16-19 at Mount Malarayat in Lipa City.

NGAP president Leandro Mendoza, also the Department of Trasportation and Communication secretary, said a total cash pot of P2.5 million will be at stake with the champion getting the top purse of P410,000, the first runner-up earning P290,000 and the third placer P160,000.

In light of the recent calamities, Mendoza said they deemed it better not to seek sanction from the Asian Tour to avoid paying $500,000 sanction fee.

“All we want is to keep the tradition, the continuity of the Philippine Open. We can be part of the Asian Tour the next time. At this moment, we want potential sponsors to help victims of the disasters,” said Mendoza.

Despite short notice, Mendoza expects top pros in the region to compete in the Open to be ushered in by a pro-am event on Dec. 15.

Mount Malarayat is hosting the event using the Mounts Lobo and Malipunyo nines – the venue of the 2005 edition won by Aussie Adam Le Vesconte.

Angelo Que is defending the crown he won in Wack Wack last year.

Frankie Miñoza, a Japan Tour regular, is also expected to go for it.

NGAP officials said they’re now contacting Miñoza to invite him to compete.

With the modest cash pot, the Open may become all-Filipino battle for the third time in recent memory.

Gerald Rosales and Cassius Casas won the Open minus foreign rivals in 2000 and 2002, respectively. A few years before, Mario Manubay also triumphed in the event that staked cash purse in pesos.