Lean Frankie still packs mean game

STA. ROSA CITY, Laguna – Frankie Miñoza has shed off extra poundage to gain more strength and keep up with fine younger golfers tipped to slug it out in The Country Club Invitational beginning today here.

“A lot of players were very surprised when they saw me. But I am perfectly fine,” said Miñoza during break in yesterday’s pro-am. “I feel very light, agile and a bit stronger.”

Miñoza, however, would not go far as to say he is in tip-top shape but coach Roger Retuero expressed confidence his new-look ward will be able to contend for the top P1.35 million in the four-day championship.

“He needs to be more athletic to be able to keep up with the likes of Angelo Que, Juvic Pagunsan, and the other young golfers around. With his new form, I am sure he’ll be able to compete 100 percent,” Retuerto said.

According to Retuerto, Miñoza is now on a diet and into physical fitness, doing cardio-vascular exercises and lifting weights on a regular basis.

“He is so serious on this one. In fact, his waist line had gone down from size 33 to 31,” Retuerto said of his 49-year-old ward.

He added that the reticent shotmaker is planning to join the Champions Tour in the United States when he turns 50.

“I think he’ll be eligible to play in the qualifier in October. If he does so, Miñoza will cap off a brilliant pro career and conquer a new world,” said Retuerto.           – Dante Navarro