ICTSI-Northwoods golf to benefit flood casualties

MANILA, Philippines - The ICTSI-Royal Northwoods Classic unfolding today will not only be a showcase of shotmaking skills among the country’s top pros but will also serve as a fund-raising event to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

The sponsoring International Container Terminal Services Inc. and chief backer MJ Carr Golf Management have picked up the Caritas Foundation as recipient of the P120,000 aid to the victims of “Ondoy” which left close to 200 people dead, a hundred more missing and thousands homeless.

ICTSI and MJ Carr have chipped in P50,000 each while partners PGAP (Professional Golfers Association of the Phils.) and TPGAP (Touring Professional Golfers Association of the Phils.) have donated P20,000.

Thousands remained begging for food, water and clothes as floodwaters began to subside in Metro Manila and nearby towns and provinces three days after the strongest typhoon to hit the metropolis in 40 years had left.

The Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan will host the 54-hole tournament which offers P1 million in total purse with the winner getting P200,000.

An all-weather layout, the par-72 course remains in top condition with its rolling fairways and unpredictable putting surface expected to test the field’s talent and skills.

Richard Sinfuego, the new leader in the Order of Merit derby, heads the cast in the tournament serving as the seventh leg of the 10-stage circuit backed by MJCarr Golf Management, Pisanti, Srixon, FAMI, Business Mirror, Motorola, Omnisource, Nike Golf, Tiger Gatorade and Pepsico.

Sinfuego finished in joint second with Demetrio Sanchez and Ferdie Aunzo in the recent ICTSI Riviera Championship ruled by amateur Mhark Fernando. Aside from the three pros, others tipped to contend for this week’s crown are first leg champion Danny Zarate and Eagle Ridge leg winner Marvin Dumandan and Sherwood champion Elmer Salvador.

Also expected to see action are Benjie Magada, Rey Pagunsan, Ruben Sasutil, Robert Pactolerin, Cassius Casas, Michael Bibat, Jun Bernis, Rodrigo Cuello, Christopher delos Santos, Anthony Fernando and Omar Dungca.