57th Fil-Am regular tourney under way

BAGUIO CITY — The 57th Fil-Am Invitational regular championship reels off today with teams in flights B and C teams taking the first crack at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Golf Club.

Competition starts at 6 a.m. to kick off the major tournament with teams totalling 17 playing in the Fil division flight B and 18 in flight C and 16 and 18 in the Am division flights B and C, respectively.

The Fil and Am regular championship and flight A start their quests for team and individual honors Wednesday. Nike Golf Pacsports is the heavy favorite to sweep the Fil and Am championship division titles again.

Competitions in the Fil and Am flights D, E and F were held during the seniors’ championship last week.

"This is it," tournament committee co-chairmen Anthony de Leon and Jeric Hechnova said yesterday. "We are happy to see them back."

Expected to provide the challenges to Nike Golf Pacsports’ bids are Manila Southwoods, Del Monte, Mizuno and Eastridge.

A team composed of young South Korean players will make its debut on Wednesday in the Am championship division. The World Professional Golf Teachers Association where they honed their game is its sponsor.

The traditional ceremonial drives were made yesterday at both clubs that officially launched the event sponsored by Wilson Sports, Pacsports Nike Shoes, Generali Pilipinas, San Miguel Corporation, Asian Spirit, Ayala Land Inc., Ottica Eyewear, University of Baguio, Turf Company, Texas Instruments, Eva Air, U-Bix, Club Car and Travel Club.

Those who did the honors were Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan, acting Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, lawyer Luis Sison, Nanette Filler both of the Baguio Country Club and Nelson Eslao of John Hay.