Que, Juvic head cast in TCC invitational

MANILA, Philippines - An elite 36-player field, headed by defending back-to-back champion Angelo Que and Asian Tour No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan, begins its chase for the top prize as The Country Club Invitational unwraps today at the tough TCC course.

No less than a strong start is expected from the talent-laden cast, composed of the top 36 players in last year’s ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, each one out to build confidence and momentum heading into the weekend play of the 72-hole championship, which also serves as the kickoff leg of this year’s ICTSI-PGT.

From the looks of things, the fight for the top P1.4 million purse could go down to the last putt or perhaps end up the way it did in 2006 when Pagunsan nipped Frankie Miñoza in a thrilling mid-afternoon playoff. Pagunsan also won in 2008 after Que scored a breakthrough in 2007 but the latter came back strong and dominated the last two stagings of the event sponsored by long-time golf patron and ICTSI chief Ricky Razon.

Meanwhile, Razon yesterday launched the 16-leg ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour during awards rites of the pro-am tournament. The 2012 season will start at Splendido in Tagaytay on March 14-16 and will again end at Wack Wack on Nov. 21-24.

At least four new courses will host this year’s circuit, sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., with Luisita staging the second leg on March 21-23 and John Hay holding the fourth leg on April 18-20.

The lesser lights, meanwhile, grabbed the spotlight in yesterday’s pro-am as Richard Sinfuego and Robert Trota combined for a 60 to ran away with the top P70,000 purse plus Apple iPhone 4G, an Apple iPad (16 GB WiFi 3G) and a Techno Marine UF6 Magnum watch.

Ebarra Quiachon and Bernie Gan pooled a 61 to finish second worth P50,000 and a Techno Marine watch while Artemio Murakami and Chito Alarilla made a 63 for third worth P30,000 and an Apple iPad2 (16GB WiFi 3G).

“I’m optimistic of my chances but I expect it to be tougher because of the many young golfers plus the veterans,” said Que.

While Que seeks to extend his reign and complete a first-ever three peat in what has become the country’s premier championship, Pagunsan will be out to live up to his status as Asia’s No. 1 after winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown last year.

“No one has an advantage at TCC since it’s a tough course especially in the presence of the wind,” said Pagunsan in Filipino. “If the wind come into play, you have to make a good contact with the ball.”

But 2009 champion Artemio Murakami and former winners Tony Lascuna, Cassius Casas and Jerome Delariarte are also raring to score a repeat while Miñoza and the rest of the field are going flat out to nail the big one, ensuring a battle royal in the blue-ribbon event.

“My target is to land in the Top 10 although my victory last year at Wack Wack was a big boost,” said Miñoza, who closed out last year’s tour with a vintage performance at ICTSI Wack Wack Championship. “I hope to be able to join the ICTSI tournaments this year although I will also try out for the Japan Seniors Tour this July.”

Save for one or two, the big guns drew separate flights in the first two days and if they play true to form, they are expected to meet in the final 36 holes in what could be an explosive battle for the coveted crown.

Que landed in the group of Mhark Fernando and Sunshine Baraquiel, one of the members of the ICTSI ladies golf squad of coach Bong Lopez priming up for various international tournaments, in the 8:50 a.m. flight.

Behind them is Pagunsan, who is paired with the big-hitting Orland Sumcad and Carl Santos-Ocampo while Elmer Salvador, the OOM winner in 2009, drew Ferdie Aunzo and Joenard Rates in the 9:10 a.m. group.

Miñoza, whose presence in the event has become an inspiration to the young talents, will have Charles Hong and Jayvie Agojo as flightmates in the 10:10 a.m. group, just behind 2010 OOM champion Jay Bayron, Arnold Villavicencio and Ruben Sasutil.

Teener Miguel Tabuena will tee off at 9:50 a.m. in the company of last year’s ICTSI-PGT three-leg winner and rookie of the year Jhonnel Ababa and Ramil Bisera while Murakami is paired with Mars Pucay and Lovelynn Guioguio at 8:40 a.m.

Also in the pro fold are Elmer Salvador, Jhonnel Ababa, Jay Bayron, Miguel Tabuena, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Saban, Richard Sinfuego, Robert Pactolerin, Jerson Balasabas, Gene Bondoc, Michael Bibat, Gerald Rosales, Randy Garalde, Ebarra Quiachon, Jun Bernis, Dante Becierra, Ramil Bisera and Albin Engino and reigning Queen Sirikit Cup champion and many-time Junior World winner Dottie Ardina and Philippine Ladies Open runner-up Princess Superal.