Clavecilla targets 5th RP Seniors Am crown

MANILA, Philippines - Iggy Clavecilla kicks off his bid for a fifth straight crown in the Philippine Senior Amateur Golf Championships today, confident of another successful campaign against the very same field he has dominated the last four years.

But the challengers vow to make it tough for the top Luisita bet this time with former national champion Francis Gaston and former RP seniors titlist Rolly Viray expected to come out strong for the needed momentum in the 54-hole tournament.

So do Pepot Iñigo, Caloy Coscoluella, Bing Bunye and Luigi Yulo and the rest of the field in the centerpiece Open division of the event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Tournament director Pablo Soon also sees a down-to-the-wire finish since no one from among the contenders enjoys the so-called home course advantage at the wind-raked Mt. Malarayat’s composite course in Lipa, Batangas.

Also on tap are competitions in Category II (60-64), Category III (65-69), Super Senior I (70-74) and Super Senior II (75 and above).

The battle for top honors in the other classes is also expected to be keen, including in Category II (60-64), Category III (65-69), Super Senior I (70-74) and Super Senior II (75 and above), featuring the duo of Enrique Beech and Jun Galindez.

To be disputed in the age group competitions, to be played over 36 holes on June 16 and 18, are the gross and net titles. Categories II, III and the Super Senior will be played from the white tees.

Trophies, courtesy of Jonathan Cruz of I-Golf Club Trading, will be awarded to the top finishers in various categories while lots of prizes will also be raffled off during the awards rites, according to NGAP seniors committee chair Comm. Danilo Pizarro.