Montecillo cup:Tabuena, Unson banner Phl quest

LIPA, Batangas , Philippines  – Asian Games silver medalist Miguel Tabuena takes the spotlight beginning today as he spearheads one of two Philippine teams in what could be his farewell event as an amateur in The Montecillo Junior Golf Team Championships at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club here.

The 16-year-old Tabuena, who is eligible to turn pro anytime this year after finishing 21st in the Asian Tour qualifying school last December, is set to announce his much-awaited decision after the tournament which attracted the best junior players from six countries in Asia and the Pacific.

“It’s a big moment for Miguel but we all know that his pro plans will take a backseat here and he’ll try to contribute the best way he can for us to win,” said Gerry Handog, chairman of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines in yesterday’s opening ceremony.

Though the Philippines is entering four teams, two each in the boys and girls play, Chinese-Taipei, Thailand, Bangladesh, Singapore and Guam are out to muddle up the race for the top awards in the tournament that has drawn the official sanction of the Royal and Ancient in St. Andrews, Scotland.

Tabuena is joined by reigning national amateur champion Clyde Mondilla, Jobim Carlos and Gio Gandionco in a crack Phl Team 1 while Rupert Zaragosa, Kenneth Kano, JP de Claro and Jonar Austria make up the other boys team.

Seasoned internationalists Andie Unson and Sarah Jane Ababa of the ICTSI squad and reigning national champion Irina Gabasa comprise Phl 1 in the girls’ side with Princess Superal, Daniella Uy and Sheryl Villacencio forming another trio.

Held in honor of the late Amalia “Mommy” Montecillo, prime mover of the jungolf movement in Asia, the event is the first local tournament to be accorded such R&A honors since the country hosted the World Amateurs in 1996.

Sponsoring the tournament which offers world amateur ranking points for the top performers are the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Pancake House, Sizzlin Pepper, Teriyaki Boy, Chevrolet, Philippine Airlines, Friends of Jungolf, Golf Depot, San Miguel Corp., Coca Cola Bottlers, Duty Free, PacSports, MJ Carr Golf Management, Pisanti Golf, livescoreph.com, McDonald’s, Julie’s Bakeshop and Ishields. Inquirer Golf and A Round of Golf are media partners.

JGFP president Luigi Tabuena said that the initial response from neighboring countries is very encouraging and chances are The Montecillo Cup will take a prominent place in the list of prestigious amateur events in the world.

“The choice of Mt. Malarayat as a venue is in consideration of its excellent facilities that includes a world-class course and excellent hotel accommodations,” he said.

The boys competition has a four-to-play, three-to-count format over 72 holes while the 54-hole girls side will be three to play and two to count. The top three teams and top three individuals for boys and girls, meanwhile, will be awarded trophies and prizes by the JGFP, awards that the Philippine squads are tipped for strong contention.