Bayron opens Aboitiz title repeat

CEBU, Philippines – Jay Bayron sets out as the marked man but a host of others, including a crack international field, are tipped to get into the scoring act right in the first round of the Aboitiz Invitational Presented by ICTSI beginning today (Wednesday, Aug. 8) at the Cebu Country Club here.

With the par-70 layout becoming more manageable than the last time out, a four-day shootout looms in the $65,000 event of the Asian Development Tour kicking off a two-week swing of top-notch golfing action in the country.

Bayron won this tournament last year with a four-under aggregate but the ace Davaoeño shotmaker hinted at a much lower winning output this time, given the highly competitive form and depth of the competing field. 

“I think 10-under is possible. The course is nicer now,” said Bayron, who is actually seeking a three-peat feat in this event serving as the seventh leg of the ADT where he is at No. 2 in the Order of Merit race.

“But it won’t be easy. There are just too many talented players in the field,” added Bayron, who also ruled the Aboitiz Invitational in 2010 as part of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour before it was included in the fledgling ADT circuit last year.

ADT OOM frontrunner Ryan Bullock of Australia, winner of the PGM Terengganu Masters in Malaysia last May, heads the strong foreign challenge that includes Johor Masters champion Luke Bluemink, ADT Masters at A’Famosa winner Peter Richardson, Anthony Choat, also from Down Under, Hsu Chia Jen of Chinese Taipei, Jeremiah Kim of Malaysia and Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands.?The local roster is also teeming with talent, ensuring a spirited chase for the top $11,375 purse in the event sponsored by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and put up by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Meanwhile, Aussie Glenn Joyner stole the pro-am limelight yesterday when he led amateur teammates Ricky Brown, Ray Gibbs and Tom Ware to victory with a 51, beating Zanie Boy Gialon, Wellington Lim, Arthur Go and Arnold Tan by four. Singapore’s Quincy Quek and partners Robin Sarmiento, Chris Walker and Nimrod Quinones placed third with a 57.

Local tour’s OOM leader Tony Lascuna and teener Miguel Tabuena spearhead the hosts’ bid, both confident of each other’s chances for a third leg victory on the ICTSI PGT, the event being the ninth leg of the local circuit, along with Sherwood Classic winner Elmer Salvador, John Hay champion Marvin Dumandan, rookie Negros titlist Gialon and recent Iloilo Golf Challenge champion Mars Pucay.

“Overall, the course is in better shape now. It’s easier to get around and the greens are softer,” said Tabuena, the youngest player in the field at 17.

Angelo Que, after a near-miss at Manila Southwoods won by Lascuna, is also fancied to crowd the favorites as he tries to snap a long victory drought together with ace Frankie Minoza, who last won at ICTSI Wack Wack Invitational last December.

Meanwhile, the same field will vie in the $60,000 Orchard Golf Championship set Aug. 15-18 at The Orchard in Dasmarinas, Cavite, which serves as the eighth leg of the 12-stage ADT.

Other backers of the event are Empire Golf, Titleist, Footjoy, Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Srixon, Nike Golf, Custom Clubmakers and Sharp. 

Others in the fold are Mhark Fernando, Jhonnel Ababa, Ferdie Aunzo, Rufino Bayron, Cassius Casas, Michael Bibat, Anthony Fernando, Jun Bernis, Charles Hong, Elmer Saban, Clyde Mondilla and Orlan Sumcad.