FVR, Mendoza to grace Phl srs golf

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Fidel V. Ramos and National Golf Association of the Philippines president Leandro Mendoza will hit the ceremonial drive to kick off the 2011 Philippine Senior Amateur Golf Championship which gets going June 15 at Riviera’s Couples course in Silang, Cavite.

Iggy Clavecilla is seeking to extend his record win run to six against practically the same field he has dominated the last five years although the title chase is again tipped to go down-to-the-wire the way it did last year at Mt. Malarayat.

Clavecilla retained the crown when Francis Gaston conceded on the third playoff hole after the latter hit a wrong ball in the rough in their fourth stint on No. 18.

The former Chief Executive, meanwhile, is also expected to lead the fight for top honors in the Super Seniors 3 division (80 and above) of the annual event organized and conducted by NGAP for the country’s golfing elders.

Joining Clavecilla, playing out of Alabang and Negros’ Gaston in the centerpiece Open category are Rolly Viray, Bing Bunye, Tony Olives, Jose Mari Hechanova and Dave Hernandez of Canlubang, and Del Monte’s Pili Sison, Machy Bienes, Leo Lagumbay and Jun Balagot.

Also in the fold are Alabang’s Carlos Coscolluela, Valley Golf’s Bong Vilchez, Lino Magpantay of Mt. Malarayat, Florene delos Santos and Pepot Iñigo.

For details, contact NGAP at (632) 5179778; (632) 5577849; (Susan-0917-5607074 or Charlyn 0922-8234658) (fax) (632) 7065926 or email [email protected] and at Riviera (02) 888-9127/9092, (046) 414-2836/88 or fax (02) 888-9094, (046) 414-2837/2888.

Also on tap are competitions in Category II (60-64), Category III (65-69), Super Senior I (70-74) and Super Senior II (75-79).

Up for grabs in the age group competitions, to be played over 36 holes on June 15 and 17, are the gross and net titles. Categories II, III and the Super Seniors will be played from the white tees.