Skippers see tight duel for North, South

MANILA, Philippines - Though the South team seems to have the edge in manpower, the North squad remains upbeat of its chances when the country’s first-ever regional golf showdown dubbed “The Duel – North vs South” unfolds Wednesday at the Alabang Golf Club.

“I like our chances this week. On paper, it looks like we are the underdogs but the guys are very eager to play and confident to pull off upsets,” said North team captain Cookie La’O, who will be pinning his hopes on the troika of Asian Tour campaigners against a crack South squad bannered by players from talent-rich Davao.

Three-time Asian Tour champion Angelo Que and fellow campaigners Mars Pucay and Artemio Murakami are tipped to provide the firepower and experience while teener Miguel Tabuena the exuberance of the youth with Carl Santos-Ocampo when they slug it out in the country’s version of the Ryder Cup which gathers the country’s cream of the crop.

“With the players I have, I feel confident of our chances. On paper, we have the upper-hand and with group morale, we can’t ask for a better team,” said South team skipper Charles Hong.

With ace Davaoeño shotmakers Elmer Salvador, Jay Bayron and Tony Lascuna as spearheads, things indeed look up for Hong and the South squad in the keenly-awaited three-day showdown put up by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

“These guys (Salvador and company) basically grew up with each other. But I wouldn’t pick any of my players to be the ‘go-to’ guy since they all play at the same level,” said Hong.

“This is going to be a classic duel. Strategy and poise will be crucial in the series,” said Colo Ventosa, general manager of the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Completing the North squad are Gerald Rosales, Jun Bernis, Benjie Magada, Gene Bondoc, Michael Bibat, Randy Garalde and Joenard Rates while Jhonnel Ababa, Cassius Casas, Marvin Dumandan, Mhark Fernando, Anthony Fernando, Elmer Saban, Richard Sinfuego, Ferdie Aunzo and Rufino Bayron backstop the South team.

The novel event features the top 24 players from last year’s Order of Merit ranking of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour with five matches – foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball (best ball) set in the first two days.

The singles – 12 matches – will be played in the final day with the first team to win 16 ½ points winning the Duel.

A pro-am tournament will precede the Duel tomorrow (Tuesday, May 29) with the pros teaming up with the amateur players from the sponsoring ICTSI and backers Titleist, FootJoy, Callaway, Nike Golf, TaylorMade, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno and Srixon and Alabang Golf Club.