Phl seniors amateur slated at Riviera

MANILA, Philippines - The 2011 Philippine Senior Amateur Golf Championship unwraps June 15 at Riviera’s Couples course with Iggy Clavecilla seeking to extend his domination of the event he has ruled the last five years.

But if last year’s outcome would be considered, another tight finish is seen in the 54-hole tournament organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines featuring the country’s leading golfing elders.

“While Iggy remains the player to beat, this year’s battle will be wide-open with the course also posing a tough challenge to the competing field,” said NGAP president Leandro Mendoza.

Clavecilla needed three extra holes and a blunder by Francis Gaston to nip former national champion for the crown at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas last year.

Gaston conceded the title after hitting a wrong ball in the rough in their fourth stint on the 18th.

Mendoza said the likes of Rolly Viray, Bing Bunyi, Tony Olives and five players from Del Monte will be out to crowd Clavecilla and Gaston for the title.

Meanwhile, the NGAP said registration for this year’s event is ongoing until June 10 at 5 p.m. with fees pegged at P3,500 (Open) for local entries and $85 for foreign participants. Fees in the other age-group divisions are P2,500 and $60, inclusive of one practice round on June 13.

For details, contact NGAP at (632) 5179778; (632) 5577849; (Susan-0917-5607074 or Charlyn 0922-8234658) (fax) (632) 7065926 or email [email protected] and at Riviera (02) 888-9127/9092, (046) 414-2836/88 or fax (02) 888-9094, (046) 414-2837/2888.

Also on tap are competitions in Category II (60-64), Category III (65-69), Super Senior I (70-74) and Super Senior II (75-79) and Super Senior III (80 and above).

Up for grabs in the age group competitions, to be played over 36 holes on June 15 and 17, are the gross and net titles. Categories II, III and the Super Seniors will be played from the white tees.