STA. ROSA, Laguna, Philippines – Facing a team loaded with talents, North coach Cookie La’O knew he had to come up with the right matchups to produce the right results.
He did and Team North stood out in a mano-a-mano clash which Team South was expected to dominate, coming away with an emphatic 8 1/2-3 1/2 victory in singles to repeat as The Duel champions at Sta. Elena Golf Club here yesterday.
Unfazed by their rivals’ edge in depth, led by three top guns who swept the last four legs of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour, the Northerners relied on their big fighting heart and resolve, taking five of the first seven matches while squaring off in one to all but rule their sixth face-off in the country’s version of the Ryder Cup, 14 1/2-9 1/2.
North’s strong start likewise turned what was expected to be a down-to-the-wire finish into a runaway triumph after South forced a tie at six points after fighting back, 4-2, in foursomes Thursday.
“It’s a question of making the right matchups and they did well,” said La’O, whose wards also beat Team South by three at John Hay in 2017. “It’s a job well done.”
It was, indeed, as each winning member received P80,000 plus trophies and medals from organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. executive director Narlene Soriano and Sta. Elena’s Rico Tantoco during awards rites. The South members took P40,000 each.