National standouts banner Samsung Tour stop at Palos Verdes

Mindanao’s best face the challenge of a horde of Manila-based shotmakers led by national team candidates who are flying all the way to Davao City for the resumption this week of the Samsung Amateur Tour at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Mike Bibat and Jay Bayron, members of the Southeast Asian Games champion squad, as well as Gene Bondoc, Mico Alejandro and veteran Tommy Manotoc are joining the hunt for the championship division crown at the well-kept Palos Verdes course which is hosting the third leg of a nationwide elimination series from Thursday to Sunday.

It will be a power-packed field as several homegrown aces bannered by Jonel Ababa, hero of Canlubang’s PAL Interclub romp last February, are out to give the visitors a rough welcome in the 72-hole competition.

Ben Miñoza, Louie Dakudao and other members of the Del Monte squad as well as Palos Verdes club champ Tibor Marcelino and caddies standouts Joseph and Mario Labajo are also playing in the event co-sponsored by Taylor Made, C-Lium Fibre, Microtel, Titleist, Custom Clubmakers/KZG, Sunbolt. Media partners are Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9 and 99.5 RT.

They will contest the third slot in the national grand finals in November at Mt. Malarayat.

Already in are Marvin Dumandan who came from behind to tie Bayron then beat him in a three-hole playoff for the title at the Baguio Country Club and Bernis who foiled an upset bid by unknown Paul Echavez in the second leg at Summit Point in Batangas.

The organizing Professional Sports Management Group, Inc. announced that the 36-hole competitions in men’s Class C and Class D and the ladies division will be held June 15-16 while those in Class A and Class B will take their turn on the last two days (June 17-18).

Boy Blue Ocampo of the PSMGI said the management of Palos Verdes headed by Wini Gob of Sta. Lucia Realty and general manager Albert Casenas are ensuring the best course conditions for the participants this week.

Carved from rolling hills, Palos Verdes has become one of the country’s best courses and a favorite destination in the south with breathtaking views of Davao and surrounding towns and cities.