Miñoza sees future in RP new talents

CANLUBANG – Frankie Miñoza believes that Philippine golf is back in the swing of things.

“I can see a bright future for our young golfers,” he said yesterday after the opening round of The Country Club Invitational golf tournament where he was paired with a 16-year-old girl on his flight.

The girl happens to be Chihiro Ikeda, a Filipina-Japanese and recent winner of the 46th Philippine Open ladies amateur championship. Also in the flight was Robert Pactolerin.

“I kept on telling her how good she was. I believe she can make it. In two to three years, with proper training, she’ll be even better. She was outdriving me out there but of course from the ladies’ tee,” said Miñoza.

Ikeda is a product of the golf program put up by ICTSI and The Country Club owner Ricky Razon. Young talents, mostly forming the national pool, are under the program.

“These kids are fortunate to have generous persons behind them. They should pounce on the opportunity, and be thankful for it. We didn’t have this kind of a program during our days. Kayod marino kami,” he said.

Ikeda hardly showed any intimidation being paired with Miñoza and Pactolerin as she fired an even-par 70. Miñoza had a 72 and Pactolerin had a 75.

“What’s nice about a program like this is that our young players are being exposed internationally while training. Madami ang a-asenso dito. Bigay ng Diyos ito sa kanila,” added Miñoza.

“Look at Jennifer Rosales and Dorothy Delasin. They just won the World Cup. This should inspire the younger players, and the sponsors as well,” he added. – Abac Cordero