Fil-Am golf under way at BCC, John Hay

BAGUIO, Philippines – The 62nd Fil-Am Invitational golf kicks off its regular tournament today with a spirited battle for top honors expected in the Championship to E flights in both the Fil and Am divisions at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses here.

Fil-Am co-chair Shin Paul Chan said more than 600 players will be teeing off the next six days at the two courses although competition is seen to be fierce this week after John Hay ran away with the Seniors Fil and Am championships last week.

Fred Puckett and Nelson Eslao also took the Fil and Am individual titles, respectively, to cap John Hay’s domination of seniors play.

Action in the lower flights will be held today and tomorrow while Forest Hills kicks off its bid a second straight title against seven-time champion Manila Southwoods and former champion Mizuno Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Fil-Am executive committee chair Anthony de Leon and city officials hit the ceremonial drives yesterday at the BCC and CJH courses.

The five-to-play, four-to-count tournament is backed by Toyota, which offers a Toyota Vios to hole-in-one feats on Nos. 10 and 18 at the BCC and CJH courses.

Other backers are Pacsports, Illy, Empire, Wilson, Fashion Rack, Air 21, Rizgolf, Supreme Bike,  GPS Tracker, Golforce, San Miguel, Le Chef, Camp John Hay Development Corporation, Beaufort and Bayan Business.