Aunzo eyes second in row in ICTSI-PGTgolf circuit

MANILA, Philippines - Ferdie Aunzo tries to become the first double-leg winner on the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour as he guns for a second straight victory in the eighth leg of the P10 million circuit at the Forest Hills Golf Club in Antipolo next week.

Aunzo came out smoking from a failed bid at the ICTSI- Riviera Classic, topping the ICTSI-Royal Northwoods Classic with a string of under-par rounds for a one-stroke victory over veteran Rey Pagunsan at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan recently.

The former national champion, who joined the pro ranks in the second leg of the revival of the pro tour put up by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. at Eagle Ridge, strung up rounds of 68, 67 and 69 to score his breakthrough win although he had to thwart Pagunsan’s final round charge to realize a dream title run.

The win didn’t only make Aunzo P200,000 richer but also lifted him to the top of the Order of Merit ranking with P510,000 earnings heading into the last three legs of the circuit backed by MJCarr Golf Management.

He will try to make it back-to-back when he leads the chase for top honors in the ICTSI-Forest Hills Classic on Oct. 28-30 against a field that includes Pagunsan and leg winners Danny Zarate, Elmer Salvador and Marvin Dumandan.

Others in the fold are Jay Bayron, Jun Bernis, Gene Bondoc, Cassius Casas, Jerome Delariarte, Christopher delos Santos, Anthony Fernando, Cookie La’O, Benjie Magada, Robert Pactolerin, Joenard Rates, Ruben Sasutil, Carito Villaroman and Erwin Vinluan.

Also on tap is the pro-am tournament on Oct. 27 with the leading pros teaming up with the invited amateur guests from the event’s chief backers Pisanti, Srixon, FAMI, Business Mirror, Motorola, Omnisource, Nike Golf, Tiger Gatorade and Pepsico.

After Forest Hills, the Valley Golf Club, also in Antipolo will host the penultimate leg on Nov. 16-20 before the 10-leg circuit winds up in Canlubang on Dec. 7-11.