Solaire Phl Open hikes pot to $.4M

MANILA, Philippines - The 2017 Solaire Philippine Open, in cooperation with Meralco and PLDT, has increased its prize fund to $400,000 with the two firms coming in as the new backers of Asia’s oldest National Open, which reels off March 2 at The Country Club in Laguna.

The new total purse has easily ranked the upcoming blue-ribbon event among the richest and biggest, drawing the leading Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour stars and other international players along with the cream of the local pro crop.

Organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. general manager Colo Ventosa has guaranteed top-notch competition from among the elite cast, headed by former champions Mardan Mamat of Singapore and Marcus Both of Australia, and former Filipino champions Angelo Que (2008), Miguel Tabuena (2015) and Frankie Miñoza (1988 and 2007).

Ventosa said the winner will earn as much as $70,000 or a whopping P3.5 million.

 “The support that the Philippine Open has generated from the local corporations has been tremendous. It is through sponsorship that this great event can become bigger and better in the years to come,” said Ventosa.

Solaire Resort and Casino is coming in as the new title sponsor of the fabled event while Meralco and PLDT have been regular supporters of local golf with the PLDT Group a long-time sponsor of the amateur circuit.