Long hitters enjoy edge at ICTSI Pradera

LUBAO, Pampanga, Philippines — While the big hitters look to cash in on whatever edge they might have here at Pradera Verde, it will still be a question of precision, ball control and decision-making as the men and women of the Philippine Golf Tour launch their drive in the ICTSI Pradera Championship today.

With a forecast of a windy week at the flat but long layout, a wild finish could be in the offing for the next three or four days with emphasis on club selection and the ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the water hazards in key holes and the undulating, sleek surface.

“The big hitters have an advantage here at Pradera but I’ll be sticking to the same game plan just like I did at Riviera,” said Fidel Concepcion, who is out for redemption after blowing a clear shot at a breakthrough PGT crown with a final round foldup in the ICTSI Riviera Championship three weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Chanelle Avaricio seeks to do a reprise on a course where she set a Tour record three months ago, upbeat but wary of her chances for a fourth championship. She posted victories at Hallow Ridge, Caliraya Springs and here last June where she blitzed the field with a seven-under (29) frontside card on her way to a first-round 64 en route to a wire-to-wire victory.