Asia's oldest Open makes grand return

MANILA, Philippines - To the end, the 95th ICTSI Philippine Open kept its mystique as Asia’s oldest championship like its backer Lexus with its unwavering pursuit of excellence embodied in its CT200h that had further rendered a touch of class to the fabled event.

American Berry Henson best typified the qualities of the world’s first luxury full hybrid compact car, achieving a milestone after going through severe tests in four days at Wack Wack’s refurbished East Course.

His hard-earned victory in the $300,000 event – where he had to fend off the late challenges from local bet Jay Bayron, was his second international title in the span of two weeks and propelled him to 17th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

“I came into a hostile environment and it was really tough for me. It was a hard win,” said Henson.

The event marked the return of Asia’s oldest championship to the Asian Tour fold after a two-year absence and to its home at Wack Wack, which last hosted the Open in 2008.

“This is by far the biggest win in my career and it has pushed me way up on the rankings. My goal this year was to finish in the top-40 on the money list and I know this win sets me up nicely,” said the American rookie.

It was indeed Henson’s biggest career win not only in terms of prize money – $47,550, but also the way he pulled off the feat.

Coming off a three-putt miscue on No. 17 that enabled Bayron to threaten within one, Henson missed the 18th green and found the ball in the thick rough some 30 yards right of the green.

But Henson displayed coolness under fire, coming through with a near-perfect lob shot in front of a hostile crowd praying for a miscue and a possible sudden death with the Filipino challenger.

That shot landed three feet off the cup and the rookie lined up then stroked the putt with a confidence of a veteran, the ball – and Bayron’s playoff hopes – vanishing into the cup.

His Phl Open triumph also proved that the route to success starts at the Asian Tour Qualifying School where Henson plied his trade following a decision to shift his focus to Asia after his campaign from the Nationwide Tour to other circuits in the US the last six years yielded no positive results.

“I didn’t get any status in the Nationwide Tour this year and knew I needed a status somewhere to improve my game,” Henson said. “The Asian Tour was a step for me to go through. It has been nothing but good for me and my game.” said Henson.

Things began to look up for Henson and his game when he finished tied for 11th in the Asian Qualifying School early in the year.

“I like how the way the Asian Tour is run and I’m happy I decided to play in Qualifying School,” he said.

But after finishing tied for 28th in the Sail Open and a joint 12th place effort in the Panasonic Open, both in India, Henson stumbled with a missed cut stint in the Indonesia Masters.

Wanting to further his talent and hone his skills, Henson tried his luck on the Asian Development Tour and won the Clearwater Masters last May 1.

That got his game going.

Henson’s career breakthrough on the Asian Tour is yet another compelling story that is testament to the success of Qualifying School.

Through the years, many notable Q-School graduates have achieved success on the Asian Tour including decorated Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, who has earned over $4 million in his career through a record 13 victories, and reigning Order of Merit champion Noh Seung-yul of Korea, the youngest ever Asian number one.