Top guns predict Aboitiz Invit'l shootout

CEBU CITY, Philippines  – After yesterday’s practice round at the wind-swept Cebu Country Club, three of the players to watch in the coming Aboitiz Invitational 2012 think that this year’s scores will be better than last year’s.

Filipino Jay Bayron, seeking a third straight crown in the tournament being presented by top global port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc., won last year with a four-under total. But he said he needs to do better than that to keep the title.

The 2010 winner of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit agreed with the declaration of CCC general manager Jeric Hechanova’s that a 10-under should win it this time on a course that has become more manageable.

“I think 10-under is possible. The course is nicer now. It won’t be easy to defend the title because there are many talented players in the field. But I will do my best,” said Bayron in yesterday’s launch of the $65,000 event, the seventh leg of the 11-stage Asian Development Tour sponsored by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.

Miguel Tabuena, the 17-year-old sensation and winner of two titles on the local tour this year, said the greens are more manageable this time. He went three-under in the practice round that preceded the media launch.

“The greens were really hard last year. Overall, the course is in better shape now. It’s easier to get around. The greens are softer,” said Tabuena, the youngest player in the field.

Australian Luke Bleumink flew in the other day just to get a glimpse of the course. It was his first time in the Philippines, and in the press conference said he’s looking forward to the tournament scheduled Aug. 8 to 11.

“It’s tough to gauge playing a practice round,” said the 27-year-old Australian who will certainly have his hands full once the tournament gets going with some of the finest Filipino pros and a good sprinkling of foreign bets around.

“We are expecting more international players this year and we’re very happy about that. This is going to be a tough tournament,” said Philippine Golf Tournaments, Inc. general manager Colo Ventosa.

Among the names being mentioned in the four-day championship, presented by ICTSI and sponsored by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., are Ryan Bulloch of Australia, the current leader in the ADT Order of Merit, Peter Richardson of England and another Aussie bet Anthony Choat.

On the local side, expected to vie for all the marbles are Tony Lascuna, Mars Pucay and Angelo Que. There’s no confirmation yet whether Juvic Pagunsan, who just saw action in the British Open, will be in the field.

Jitti Tampraset, director for tour operations of the Asian Development Tour, said the top three players in the Asian Development Tour will be eligible for the 2013 Asian Tour.

Susan Valdez of title sponsor Aboitiz said she’s glad of their continuing sponsorship of the foreign-spiced event and added that as long as there’s a positive response it’s only bound to last.

“From our experience it’s been very successful. And hopefully we will be able to do another one next year. As long as there’s positive coverage, our thrust in supporting sports and our partnership with Asian golf will continue,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI), the organizer of Southeast Asia’s largest national golfing circuit, the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT), was delighted to work closely with the ADT again.

“PGTI has been leading the Philippines in creating and sustaining a vibrant local golfing industry. This August, we are proud to once again present the third annual Aboitiz Invitational at the Cebu Country Club, the last PGT Visayan leg for the year and the first of two Philippine legs of the Asian Development Tour,” said Enrique Razon Jr., PGTI chairman and president.

The Aboitiz Invitational is backed by Empire Golf, Titleist, Footjoy, Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Srixon, Nike Golf, Custom Clubmakers and Sharp.