MANILA, Philippines - The men of the tour resume their hunt for fame and fortune with the staging of the Philippine Golf Circuit’s ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational beginning tomorrow at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Trece Martires, Cavite with the Dye Course expected to challenge the field’s shotmaking skills and mental toughness with its undulating fairways and unpredictable putting surface.
The par-72 Dye layout is one of the four championship courses in the largest golfing facility in the land and one of the toughest in the country with its 7,293-yardage tipped to bring out the best, or worst, from the 70-player starting field.
Although the wind is at its manageable level at this time, Eagle Ridge club manager Buddy Resurreccion said the course’s length, the rolling terrain and its small greens are enough to test the pros’ mettle in the 54-hole tournament, which offers P200,000 to the champion.
Danny Zarate, who ruled the kick off leg of a 10-stage circuit with a three-shot win over Marvin Dumandan at Mt. Malarayat last February, heads the chase for top honors along with Jerome Delariarte, Joenard Rates, Orlan Sumcad, Juanito Pagunsan, Erwin Arcillas, Cassius Casas, Vic Santia, Jomar Pepito, Jay Bayron and Christopher delos Santos.
Tony Lascuna takes a break from the Asian Tour and the Mercedes Tour to join the hunt along with Ferdie Aunzo, Anthony Fernando and Mars Pucay in the P1 million event sponsored by ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) and backed by MJ Carr Golf.
A crack roster of amateurs will also be trying to humble the pros, led by Rufino Bayron, Tonton Asistio, Jerson Balasabas, Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Dante Becierra and Bayron.