Windy battle up as Riviera Am gets under way

MANILA, Philippines — A crack field braces for what could be a survival of the fittest as the Riviera MVPSF Amateur Championship unwraps today with the dreaded wind expected to come into play in all three days at the Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite.

“The course is in great condition but the wind is blowing hard which changes the game plan of every one,” said Aidric Chan during yesterday’s practice round at the ravine-laced layout. “Langer course is also known to be one of the toughest courses in the country so staying patient would be one of the main points.”

Chan is coming into the 54-hole championship all geared up, having gained two low amateur honors in the country’s pro circuit recently. But he is also facing a formidable cast of rivals, headed by Sean Ramos, winner of the recent Cangolf Am Open and NGAP Northern Luzon Regional titles.

“I think I just have to play my game not pressure myself too much. It works for me better when I don’t expect too much,” said Ramos, who struggled early in the season, ending up tied for 36th in the Philippine Amateur and placing 13th in the WExpress RVF Cup. He, however, shared third place in the Phl Junior Am Open before sweeping the last two tournaments in Canlubang and Beverly Place Golf Club in Pampanga.

“Langer is one of the most challenging courses especially when the wind is up, so both long and short game needs to work together, including putting,” he added.

With reigning Phl Amateur Open Match Play winner Carl Corpus, Josh Jorge, Luigi Wong, David Guangko, Miguel Olivarez-Ilas, Rald Sarmiento, Lanz Uy, Leandro Bagtas, Masaichi Otake and Aldo Barro also in the fold, a spirited battle is seen right at the start of the season-ending individual championship on the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour presented by the MVP Sports Foundation.