P13-M Phl Open to unfold in WW East

MANILA, Philippines - The National Golf Association of the Philippines announced yesterday the staging of the 96th Philippine Open on Feb. 9-12 at the Wack Wack East course with the fabled event serving as the second leg of the 2012 Asian Tour.

A cash pot of $300,000 (P13 million) is at stake in the Open, which has International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) as title sponsor and HSBC, Panasonic Philippines, Globe Business and Cathay Pacific as other sponsors.

The champion’s purse has yet to be finalized but it’s expected to be around $70,000 (or almost P3 million).

American Berry Henson won the 2011 crown on a crucial up-and-down save par on the closing hole, beating Jay Bayron by one.

A crack field of local and international campaigners is expected to compete in the 96th Phl Open which will be beamed live on the Asian Tour’s global television platform through four rounds.

“We are honored to continue our highly successful association with our country’s national championship. As the region’s oldest national Open, the ICTSI Philippine Open is the golfing pride of our country and we are delighted the championship will be beamed live around the world,” said ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. in a statement.

“The broadcast will further elevate the stature of the Philippine Open and it will showcase our prestigious championship which it richly deserves,” Razon added.

Asian Tour business development head Michael Bengtsson said their TV platform reaches 200 countries and over 850 million homes.

NGAP president Leandro Mendoza expressed appreciation to ICTSI for its title sponsorship, and said confirmation of the live broadcast ensures premier status of the Phl Open on the Asian Tour.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the stars of the game from the Asian Tour to the ICTSI Philippine Open. Our championship is steeped in history and tradition and it is fitting that we continue to work closely with ICTSI and the Asia Tour,” said Mendoza.

“It is exciting that the Open will be beamed live around the world and I’m sure the benefits will be immense for our country and our valued sponsors. With Wack Wack Golf and Country Club being in the heart of the city, the golfing world will certainly view magnificent images during the broadcasts which will greatly promote our country,” Mendoza added.

Wack Wack president Philip Juico, meanwhile, said the Mandaluyong-based club is honored to host the Philippine Open for the 52nd time.

“We will prepare our championship course to its best for what is set to be another wonderful week of golf,” Juico said.

“Wack Wack Golf and Country Club is happy and privileged to once again host the Philippine Open, the first pro tournament in Asia. Over the years, because of the fine work done by our predecessors, Wack Wack and the Philippine Open have become synonymous,” said Juico. “We welcome this opportunity for the Philippines and Wack Wack to be associated with golf excellence.