ICTSI-PGT 2nd leg up next week in Baguio

MANILA, Philippines - Action in the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour shifts to Baguio next week with another power-packed cast slugging it out for top honors in the ICTSI Camp John Hay Championship slated April 18-20 at the John Hay Golf Club in Baguio City.

Miguel Tabuena annexed a record feat in the circuit’s kickoff leg at ICTSI Splendido Classic in Tagaytay two weeks ago, scoring his maiden victory and becoming the youngest winner on the pro circuit at 17.

But the former Asian Games silver medalist will not be around in the upcoming event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., opting to compete instead in the Indonesia Open set in the same week along with Elmer Salvador, Jay Bayron, Artemio Murakami, Angelo Que, Mars Pucay and Tony Lascuna.

Asian Tour No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan, who also topped the Order or Merit of the ICTSI-PGT with four leg victories last year, has also begged off from competing as he kicks off his campaign on the lucrative Japan PGA Tour in the Tsuruya Open in Hokkaido.

That leaves Ferdie Aunzo, Marvin Dumandan, Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Cassius Casas, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Saban, Richard Sinfuego, Robert Pactolerin, Jerson Balasabas, Gerald Rosales, Dante Becierra, Jun Bernis and former national champion Clyde Mondilla as the chief contenders for the top P200,000 purse in the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Others in the title hunt in the event, backed by Srixon, Callaway, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports, are Michael Bibat, Art Arbole, Eddie Bagtas, Benjie Magada, Gene Bondoc, Jerome Delariarte, Albin Engino, Anthony Fernando, Randy Garalde, Zanie Boy Gialon, Charles Hong and Cookie La’O.

The rolling John Hay course also hopes to provide a different kind of challenge for the men of the tour with the short but tricky par-69 last hosting a pro event for the first time since staging the Philippine Open in 1997.

Meanwhile, Sherwood Hills will host the third leg of the 16-stage circuit on April 25-28, the first of five four-day tournaments lined up this year. The others are the ICTSI Manila Southwoods on June 27-30, the Aboitiz Invitational in Cebu on Aug. 8-11, the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on Aug. 15-18, and the season-ending ICTSI Wack Wack Championship on Dec. 12-15.