Commentary: Ailing Minoza’s gutsy stand in ’91 Masters remembered

MANILA, Philippines - One couldn’t see the course for the fans. Thousands of them came from various parts to converge and soak in the high-powered action at the  Augusta National – long regarded as the Cathedral of golf – the No. 1 in the world.

These images came to mind as the 81st Masters reaches its climax this morning with Sergio Garcia and Justine Rose leading a crowded Cavalry-like charge for the Green Jacket.

And it brought to mind Filipino Frankie Miñoza’s gallant stand 26 years ago when he slugged it out with the best and the brightest in the 55th Masters in 1991.

Miñoza, then 31, was coming as the hottest Asian pro with six titles in the Asian Circuit, including three in 1990.

But the amiable pro from Bukidnon literally played half-blind in the two rounds he saw action in when he suffered from side effects of an allergy brought about by aspirin-based colds tablets 48 hours before the fabled event.

He woke up from an afternoon nap with his eyes swollen and three times in the driving range and in his assigned Cadillac limousine before the first round he tried to withdraw barely seeing the ball.

But a lot of people back home were excited in seeing the second Filipino to be invited and Miñoza gamely teed off and carded a 78.

Feeling better the next day, he fired a 75, going one under on the frontnine and was hitting his stride until he had an 8 on the par 5 13th, the rear end of the Amen Corner.

Still it was a decent performance from a Filipino first timer.

“Laban tayo maski hirap,” he said.

No other Pinoy pro has been invited to the Masters since, although there were six Asian pros who made the start list this year, with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama tied at 28th at 220.

Two other Filipino pros booked berths in two majors with Rio Olympics entry Miguel Tabuena playing in the 2016 US Open and Angelo Que, who earned a berth in 2008 British Open.

But there’s nothing like the Masters at Augusta National and its magical moments witnessed by around 40,000 every year on its hallowed grounds and millions around the world.

And the way the first three rounds unfolded on the course guarded with towering trees and treacherous greens and fairways adorned by the azaleas and magnolias, another drama-fraught episode is keenly awaited at the close of this year’s edition of the fabled event.