Aboitiz Invit’l back at Wack Wack

MANILA, Philippines — The Aboitiz Invitational marks its ninth edition back at Wack Wack’s fabled East course in September with another strong international field gearing up for four days of battle of shotmaking and mental toughness in one of the country’s toughest courses.

The event has become one of the most sought-out championships this side of the region for its prestige and prize fund, luring some of the leading campaigners and rising stars from other regional tours and featuring the cream of Philippine golf.

Organized by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) in its home base in Cebu in 2011 in collaboration with Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., the Aboitiz Invitational has not only boosted the local golf calendar but also helped raise the level of play here with the composition of the competing field getting deeper and deeper year-in and year-out.

In fact, the $100,000 event slated Sept. 4-7 expects to draw another power-packed cast led by the regular campaigners on the Philippine Golf Tour Asia, this being a regular leg of the region’s emerging circuit since it was launched in 2017 as a five-stage tour, and those aiming to toughen up for their respective buildup for other bigger circuits outside of the region.

“We are greatly privileged to be instrumental in bringing together Philippine golf’s rising stars and living legends along with players from overseas to hone their game towards a spot in the world ranking,” said AEV president and CEO Erramon Aboitiz.

Meanwhile, PGTI chairman and president Ricky Razon, the man behind PGT Asia, has expressed enthusiasm over the circuit’s role in helping produce more local players to join the likes of Miguel Tabuena, Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan in the international stage.

“In its first three seasons, the PGTA has served and will continue to serve as a great platform for Filipino players to develop their talent and skills and advance their respective careers. And we are happy to do our part in helping these players,” said Razon.

The Wack Wack East, which used to be the home of the Philippine Open, is being spruced up and is expected to reach championship form in time for the event for a true test of golf.

Jay Bayron beat Gavin Green of Malaysia by two strokes when the Mandaluyong layout hosted the Aboitiz Invitational in 2016. The championship moved to Manila Southwoods the following year where Tabuena nipped Que by one in a thrilling finish then Australian Damien Jordan became the first foreign player to win the event with a four-shot romp over Thai Namchok Tantipokhakul at Orchard last year.

Bayron also topped the inaugural event in Cebu in 2011 then fellow Davaoeño Elmer Salvador scored back-to-back victories, also in Cebu, before Tony Lascuña beat Que by three at Riviera in 2014.