Aunzo eyes back-to-back at ICTSI-Northwoods tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Ferdie Aunzo tries to become only the second player to defend a crown on the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour this year as he goes for back-to-back victory at the ICTSI-Royal Northwoods Championships beginning Oct. 6 in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Aunzo foiled veteran Rey Pagunsan’s final round charge to snatch a one-stroke win at Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club last year and record his maiden victory on the 54-hole pro circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

But the former national champion failed to score another win in the current season although he turned in a couple of joint runner-up finishes, including at ICTSI-Apo where Juvic Pagunsan ruled for the second straight year.

Pagunsan, along with the tour’s other top guns, including Angelo Que and Artemio Murakami are doubtful starters due to previous commitments abroad. But the field remains as tough as ever, ensuring another closely-fought battle for the top P200,000 purse in the 11th leg of the PGT, sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

“It will be tough (to defend my title) since the field remains strong but I’ll give it my best shot,” said Aunzo. “It’s been a while since I last won.”

Also on tap is the pro-am tournament on Oct. 5 with the leading pros teaming up with the invited amateur guests from the event’s chief backers backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Jaguar, Land Rover, Studio 23, Balls TV, Srixon/Cleveland Golf, Callaway Golf, Odyssey and Golf Punk and media partners Business Mirror, Inquirer Golf Monthly, A Round of Golf, Pinoygolfer.com and Omnisource.

Tipped to crowd Aunzo for the crown are ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat winner Elmer Salvador, ICTSI-Orchard champion Benjie Magada, ICTSI-Forest Hills ruler Mars Pucay, Asian Tour campaigner Tony Lascuña, Jun Bernis, Michael Bibat, Rey Pagunsan and rookie pros Antonio Asistio II and Rufino Bayron.

From Northwoods, the tour goes to Valley Golf Club in Antipolo for the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge on Nov. 10-12 before the circuit winds up at Canlubang on Dec. 8-10 for the Tour Championship.