1,200 golfers expected in BCC, CJH Fil-Am Invitational

BAGUIO, Philippines – The 62nd Fil-Am Invitational golf tournament will be held Nov. 23-Dec. 10 with organizers promising a bigger, better staging with over 1,200 players expected to see action at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses here.

“We expect to have a 10 percent increase this year,” said John Hay golf manager Steve McDonald during yesterday’s launch of the event, long considered as the biggest amateur tournament in the country.

A Toyota Vios will also be staked as hole-in-one prize on each layout, on No. 18 of John Hay and No. 10 of BCC.

The senior’s side of the event, for 55 years old and above, and the flights F, G and H of the Fil-Am regular start on Nov. 26 with practice rounds set on Nov. 23-25.

Hostilities in the regular Fil-Am, featuring Flights E, D, C, B, A and the Championship, will begin on Dec. 6.

Forest Hills-Nicklaus stunned former winner Mizuno and eight-time champion Manila Southwoods to rule last year’s premier Fil-Championship of the regular Fil-Am.

Forest Hills closed out with a 103 for 462 points for a four-shot win over Mizuno and five ahead of Southwoods.

Fil A champions SeaBridge Chelus I, however, shot a 129 for a 487 total to join the premier division this year, according to BCC resident manager Shin Paul Chan.

“Preparations being done at both courses have been going on smoothly. Our players will surely enjoy our tournament again,” said Chan.