WWWEx-DHL tilt draws top amateurs

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the national pool and the other top players in the ranks mix it up two weeks from now when the 15th WWWExpress-DHL National Amateur Golf Championship is held on Feb. 9-12 at the north course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Reigning national champion Mhark Fernando and fellow ICTSI team mainstays Tonlits Asistio II, Peter Villaber, Jhonnel Ababa and former champion Rufino Bayron are expected to head the roster in the 72-hole men’s division of the event sponsored by WWWExpress and DHL.

Chihiro Ikeda leads the cast in the 54-hole ladies side firing off on Feb. 10 with the SEA Games gold medalist seeking a three-peat against her teammates in the ICTSI golf stable, including former two-time national champion Anya Tanpinco and Sarah Ababa.

Registration is ongoing with deadline set on Feb. 5 at 5 p.m., according to the organizing National Golf Association of the Phils. Fee is pegged at P2,500 for men and P2,000 for women, inclusive of a practice round on Feb. 8.

Former Singapore amateur champion Quincy Quek outlasted Ferdie Aunzo in a classic six-hole playoff to capture last year’s event, conducted by the NGAP in cooperation with Canlubang Golf.

Although both players have joined the pro ranks, a down-to-the-wire battle for top honors is again expected in the event, put up by WWWExpress chair Rod Feliciano to provide the local and international players a venue where they could hone their talent and skills.