Rosales to grace Open rites today

The best lady golfers from 14 clubs in the country will shoot it out with foreign entries in the 42nd edition of the Philippine ladies open golf championship starting tomorrow at the Manila Golf Club course inside Forbes Park.

The final confirmation of entries received by the organizing Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) show host Manila Golf fielding the most entries with seven, followed by Southwoods, Canlubang and Sta. Elena with six, Navy, Wack Wack and Riviera five each while Forest Hills has four.

Aguinaldo, Villamor and southern team Del Monte have three apiece, Alabang two and Mimosa, Mt. Malarayat and The Country Club each having one representative.

There are 67 locals and 21 foreigners from six countries (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, United States and England) in the field.

Ushering in the tourney is the opening ceremonies today, with LPGA campaigner Jenny Rosales to be joined by Rod Feliciano, president of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, WGAP president Gina Tuason and Chito Recto of the host club in hitting the ceremonial balls.

Tournament sponsors include the Pagcor, PCSO, the First Gentleman Foundation, Golden Donuts, Rep. Gilberto Duavit, Equitable-PCI Bank, Inquirer Golf Monthly, Slazenger, Nike Park and Crucible Gallery.

Heidi Chua is not returning to defend the title she had won the past two years since she already turned pro.

Heading the cast are Carmelette Villaroman and her Spirit International teammate Lora Roberto, Tracy Locsin, Lucy Landicho and Lina de Guzman. Also in the field are young aces Jayvie Agojo, Remijin Camping, Katrina Gonzales and Geleen Handog.

Agojo, a multi-titled jungolfer, is out to redeem herself after losing to Chua in a sudden-death playoff for the crown in 2003.