RP team slots up in national amateur circuit

Philippine team hopefuls for the Southeast Asian Games and other major events try to earn the big points in a drawn-out elimination process when they compete in the Titleist-Footjoy national amateur circuit starting at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite on Feb. 20.

The race for the national team slots, however, is just one of the many battles to be fought in the circuit as there will be separate competitions for ladies and the different handicap levels.

The circuit was originally scheduled to start last Jan. 23-26 at the Tagaytay Highlands and Midlands but was called off due to the turn of political events the previous week when Edsa 2 was staged.

"With everything back to normal, we’re all set for takeoff," declared Iggy Clavecilla, tournament chairman of the National Golf Association of the Philippines which is conducting the event in coordination with title sponsor Titleist and Footjoy.

GG&A Club Shares is putting up the hole-in-one package for the seven-leg circuit.

The men’s championship for players with handicap indeces of 0 to 4.4 will be for 72 holes, the ladies championship (0-9.4) for 54 holes and Group 1 (0-4.4), Group II (4.5-10.4), Group III (10.5-19.4), Group IV (19.5 and above) and ladies (9.5 and above for 36 holes).

Clavecilla said the selection of the national pool will be a continuing process starting with the results of the DHL Open plus all the legs of the national circuit.

Entry fee is P2,000 inclusive of green fees and a free practice round. Registration can be made at the offices of the NGAP (525-6987/524-5160), Global Sports (433-0782/435-1943), GG&A Club Shares and Chris Sports Plaza outlets nationwide.