Jenny in town, predicts SEAG sweep for RP

Jennifer Rosales yesterday underscored the need for the Filipino golfers to gain more exposure abroad in a bid to become more competitive and eventually develop into world-class players like her.

In an interview with The STAR, Rosales, perhaps the most successful Filipino golfer, having penetrated the tough LPGA Tour, said the country has many good players only they don’t get enough exposure to world-class events.

"As a player, you need good competition to get your game up there," said Rosales, who slipped into the country early Saturday morning for a well-deserved break from a hectic LPGA campaign.

Noting the country’s mediocre, if not dismal showing in the recent Nomura Cup (tied for fifth in a field of 18) in Japan and the just-concluded Spirit Cup (19th in a field of 24) in Houston, the 27-year-old former five-time RP Ladies Open champion said the team needs more practice and should compete more in quality tournaments to be at par with the world’s best.

"They need practice and more good, quality tournaments," said Rosales, a two-time LPGA winner. "With the help of Mr. (Ricky) Razon, I’m sure they will go a long way. They just need to be exposed more often to good quality golfers."

Truly, the entry of businessman/sportsman Ricky Razon as the country’s golf patron has boosted the stock of the Filipino golfers with members of the national pool gaining experience in various international competitions the last few months.

In fact, a squad composed of Michael Bibat, Jay Bayron and Tonton Asistio in the men’s and Frances Bondad, Mia Piccio and Crystal Superal in the ladies side is seeing action beginning today in the 2005 Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Asian Golf Monthly International Amateur Open beginning today in Hong Kong.

The event serves as part of the country’s preparations for next month’s Southeast Asian Games here where the Filipinos, according to Rosales, have a chance to sweep the golds both in the individual and team competitions.

"I’m confident that both the men’s and ladies teams will do very well in the SEA Games," said Rosales, who won the SEAG individual gold in 1995 in Thailand. "I understand from coach (Bong Lopez) that they are training very hard for this event. It’s our home court so with the help from the Pinoy golfers and a little help from above, we can go all the way."

Aware of the quality of competition in the SEAG, having led the RP team to gold-medal finishes in the 1995 and 1997 (Indonesia) Games, Rosales also stressed the need for the players to be in tip-top shape, saying: "There is no substitute to hard practice and good physical conditioning. I’m finding that out more often nowadays. They have to watch out for their health and conditioning. The talent is there, just go the extra step to build on that talent."

Rosales has lots of that — talent — although her campaign on the LPGA Tour has been hampered by a recurring wrist injury that forced her to withdraw in a number of tournaments this year, including the British Open.

"I really want to thank everybody who sent text messages to say hi and pray for my quick recovery (wrist). I really appreciate it. But I think it’s (wrist) okay now so I’m confident of my chances," said Rosales.

Four more tournaments are lined up for the ace Filipina shotmaker beginning with the CJ Nine Bridges Classic in Seoul next week where she hopes to play well and earn more money to ensure her top 30 placing and a stint in the rich ADT Championship next month.

From Korea, Rosales will head for Japan for the Mizuno Classic on Nov. 4-6 then to Alabama for The Mitchell Tournament of Champions on Nov. 10-13 before competing, hopefully, in the ADT Championship in Florida, exclusively for the top 30 players in the LPGA rankings.