Uratex Caddies lures huge field

Over 100 players from 25 teams coming from as far south as Davao City and as far north as Rizal and Cavite have registered for the P2-million 15th Uratex National Caddies Championships.

"We expect a field of 70 clubs in the next few days," tournament committee co-chairmen Col. Abe Villanueva and Manding Santos said yesterday. "Other clubs still have time to sign up."

The 72-hole tournament, bankrolled by the Cheng family, will start Feb. 17 at the Valley Golf and Country Club’s Executive course.

"Our course is ready," said Valley president Manny Quiogue. "We have prepared it for the past few months and the caddies will again find it as challenging."

Registration centers are at Valley with telephone No. 658-49-01 through Lanie Aycardo and National Golf Association of the Philippines, 521-15-87, through NGAP executive director Jake Ayson.

Two traditional rites will again highlight this year’s competition — a rule seminar, to be handled by Taby Tabaniag Monday, and the hitting of the ceremonial balls the next day.

The late business tycoon Robert Go Cheng started one of the world’s most unique tournaments in 1988 to provide a national event for local caddies, develop their skills and discover talent from their ranks.

Cheng died of a heart attack last Oct. 29. He was 58. His widow Naty and their children Pinky, Peach and Big Boy decided to continue it to perpetuate Robert’s memory and legacy.

Among the early clubs that have signed up included Davao City’s Apo, Lanang and Palos Verdes, Iloilo Golf Club in Panay, Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite and Mount Malarayat in Lipa City.

At stake in the tournament ending Feb. 29 are handsome prizes in the form of gift certificates for the men’s individual and team winners and ladies’ champion.