Handog-Popp rules Nicklaus Invitational

MANILA, Philippines - Gerileen Handog and Christine Popp combined for a net 61 to beat some 230 players in the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational at Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite recently.

The two ladies are the first ever women team to win the long-running Jack Nicklaus International Invitational Golf Tournament event here in the country.   

The tandem, which held an official team handicap index of 1, credited their victory to a combination of skills, hard work and teamwork.

“We played extremely well, never missed the fairway, and our approaches were always within a 100-yards in,” said Handog. 

Jan Tambogon and Louis Bartolome Borja held a team handicap of 2 and shot a 63 to finish second.

The field included celebrity players like Sen. Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Zanjoe Marudo, Epy Quizon, Buboy Garovillo and Vince Hizon.

Handog and Popp are set to leave in October for the international final Tournament of Champions where they will compete against teams from China, Denmark, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA at Jack’s home course, The Bear’s Club Jupiter, Florida USA. 

The Philippines has posted impressive finishes in the International Finals, including a championship in 2007 which Handog and Popp vowed to duplicate.

“We are honored and definitely excited to be representing the country in the International Finals. We believe we can do it,” sad Popp. 

The prize package includes round trip air transportation, luxury accommodations and hospitality, golf on Jack Nicklaus’ exclusive home course, The Bear’s Club, and mementoes to remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience.