Phl Amateur Open unfolds at Cangolf

MANILA, Philippines - An early shootout among the country’s top shotmakers and foreign aces both in men’s and ladies divisions is expected as the chase for the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship crowns begins today at the north course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Jobim Carlos, winner of last week’s NGAP National Doubles crown with Raymundo Gonzales, drew reigning Selangor Amateur champion Jerome Ng of Singapore in 9:08 a.m. flight on No. 1 in what promises to be an explosive start in the featured group that includes Cebu’s top bet Lloyd Go and Alabang’s Andres Saldana.

Rupert Zaragosa, the reigning national and junior champion, is paired with Singapore’s junior titlist Gregory Foo in the other key foursome that includes Korean Song Seung Ho of Riviera and Gonzales at 9:17 a.m., also on No. 1.

Carlos, Zaragosa and the other Cangolf bets hope to cash in on their local knowledge of the par-72 layout as they go all out for a strong start in the 72-hole championship presented by Globe Telecom, Inc., Pancake House and Airphil Express.

Focus will also be on the ladies side with defending champion Andie Unson leading the crack roster of the ICTSI-backed bets that includes Dottie Ardina, Jayvie Agojo, Sarah Ababa, Sunshine Baraquiel and Lovelynn Guioguio.

They, however, will have their hands full against a talent-laden foreign challenge headed by reigning Singapore national champion Amelia Yong and teammate Koh Sock Hwee, winner of the 2011 Warren Amateur Open title, and Joey Poh, who finished second to Yong in the Singapore National Open.