National Amateur closed tourney up at Sherwood off at Sherwood

MANILA, Philippines - The upcoming stars of the country will see action starting Wednesday when the 2012 Philippine Amateur Closed championship tees off at wind-swept Sherwood Hills in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

Gio Gandiongco, a mainstay of the PAL Interclub champion Cebu Country Club squad, Andres Saldana of Alabang and Canlubang’s Jik-Jik Abdon banner a compact but talented field in the five-day event serving as the third leg of the Globe amateur circuit.

Jonar Austria, second placer in the recent DHL Amateur in Canlubang, is also in the field together with the veteran Lawrence Celestino.

Tournament format in the event also backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot, Titleist and Airphil Express will be medal play for the first two days to determine the rankings before play shifts to match on Friday.

Rupert Zaragoza, the 14-year-old wonder from Cangolf, is the defending champion but is a likely absentee after being hospitalized for more than two weeks last month because of poisoning.

Members of the Frankie Miñoza golf foundation, Ramir Roque and Francis Morilla, are also entered together with Joey Huerva, a vital cog in the last Canlubang squad that won the Interclub.

Seniors Tony Olives, Rolly Viray and Caloy Coscoluella have also signed up.

Registration, meanwhile, is still being accepted by the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines.