Fernando, Dottie eye repeat in RP Amateurs

MANILA, Philippines - Mhark Fernando and Dottie Ardina try to make it two-in-row in the Philippine Amateur Golf Championship as they lead the chase for top honors in the country’s premier amateur tournament which unwraps April 28 at the Del Monte Golf Club at Cawayanon, San Miguel, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon.

Fernando, who has dominated the ranks the last few years along with ICTSI-Cangolf teammate Jhonnel Ababa, has delayed his plans to turn pro to get another crack at the crown and hopefully spearhead the country in at least three tough international tournaments lined up this year – the Putra Cup, the Nomura and the Asian Games.

He overwhelmed Korean Jeung Hun Wang, 5&4, in last year’s finale at the Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal and is again tipped as the man to beat in the week-long tournament.

Ardina, who beat ICTSI teammate and SEA Games gold medalist Chihiro Ikeda to win the Southern Ladies crown early in the year, hopes to get a break from her studies in Florida where she is a golf scholar to defend the crown.

The organizing National Golf Association of the Phils. said registration is ongoing.

Entry fee is pegged at P2,500 or $75 for foreign entries. Details: NGAP at (632-5179778/5577849/09175607074 - Susan Facundo) or fax (632-7065926) or Del Monte Golf Club at (088) 855-4312 to 17 local 6145 or 0927-4587834 or email [email protected].