But now that he’s back in the fold, Frankie Miñoza wants no less than a triumphant return to the very event he ruled in 1998 at the Couples layout of The Riviera.
"It’s been a long time and I’m happy to be back here," said Miñoza, taking a break from a practice round on the eve of this year’s Open at Wack Wack’s east course.
Miñoza, who has won a number of events in Asia but has spent most of his prime, and had his most notable success, on the lucrative Japan Golf Tour, is hopeful of a fine showing this week with a new swing and a confidence boosted by his stint in last week’s Qatar Masters.
"I’ve been working so hard the last few years and a swing change has given me more confidence in my game," said Miñoza, who finished in joint 53rd in Doha.
Miñoza lost his Japanese tour card in 2005 and joined the Asian Tour for the first time since its format established in 1995. Winner of five tournaments in the Japan PGA, including the Fujisankei Classic in 2001, he finished 27th on the Asian Tour money list to retain his card and also regained his Japan Golf Tour card by finishing second in the Qualifying School.
His other victories in Asia were the Indonesia Open in 1986, the Maekyung Open in Korea in 1988, the Pakistan Open in 1989, the China Open and Indonesia Open in 1990 and the RP Open, the Philippine Masters and the Rolex Masters in Singapore in 1998.
The 47-year-old Miñoza opens his bid for the top $47,550 purse in the company of former Asian Tour No. 1 Thaworn Wiratchant and former RP Open champion Wang Ter-chang of Taiwan on No. 10 in the 12:20 p.m. flight where playing condition is expected to get tougher.
Sure, Juvic Pagunsan, who nipped Miñoza in a playoff for The Country Club crown in Canlubang last year, will be the prohibitive favorite among the locals in the 156-player field. But with Miñoza raring to swing into action, the reticent shotmaker could make himself a chief contender for the crown on Sunday.
"I’ve been hitting the ball pretty well and my target this week is to win this tournament," said Miñoza. — Dante Navarro