270 teams try mettle in Sta. Elena golf

MANILA, Philippines - A full-pack roster of 270 teams will clash for top honors in the 14th staging of the Sta. Elena Cup member-guest tournament starting Wednesday at the Sta. Elena Golf Club course in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Seeking a second straight overall championship in the five-day tourney presented by Lexus and Omega are long-time partners Bones Floro and King Stehmeier.

They will have their hands full against a slew of challengers, including reigning club champion Jet Mathay-Sammy Sy, Iggy Clavecilla-Mari Hechanova, Manoling Chan-Alex Prieto and Richie Garcia-Montito Garcia.

Lexus Manila is offering an IS300 worth about P2.4 million for a hole-in-one feat on the seventh and 17th holes as the luxury brand makes its debut in a major invitational competition.

Royal Carribean, Baron Travel, Gatorade Tiger, Sta. Elena Properties Inc, Johnnie Walker, Novellino wines and Mizuno are the other major sponsors.

For the second straight year, the organizing committee is adopting the no entry fee-no giveaway policy.

Bryan Cockrell, president of Sta. Elena, said the fact that the event is all booked up is proof that the no entry fee-no giveaway scheme is well accepted by club members.

Junie Ledesma, general manager of Sta. Elena, said the course will be in its best possible shape for an influx of members and guests who will compete under the Stableford format.

Together with course superintendent Tim Walker, chef Joseph Goh and golf director Grace Estuesta, Ledesma and his team have made the best arrangements possible for a grand fiesta at Sta. Elena.

Among the prizes are a Royal Caribbean cruise, Mizuno equipment and merchandise items put up by Sta. Elena.