PGT Q-School gets going at E Ridge

MANILA, Philippines - Sixty three pros set out for a four-day battle of shotmaking and putting skills as they vie for 40 slots staked for next year’s ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour in the PGT Q-School beginning today at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Norman Course in Gen. Trias, Cavite.

Former junior champions Ramon Brobio and Carito Villaroman have joined the long list of players seeking to regain their cards for what could be the richest, biggest local tour being lined up for next year’s circuit.

Twelve amateurs are also hoping to make it to the big league next year with Andres Saldana, Noel Langgamin, Magno Arancon, Keanu Jahns and Francis Morilla joining hunt in the 72-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Artemio Murakami, a former leg winner who struggled all season to finish at 60th, headlines the field, who includes those who failed to make it to the top 40 in this year’s ICTSI PGT Order of Merit ranking topped for the second straight year by Tony Lascuña.

Also in the fold are Arnold Villecencio, Erwin Vinluan, Cookie La’O, Albin Engino, Paul Echavez, Peter Villaber, Reymon Jaraula, Ramil Bisera, Edgar Ababa, Joey Huerva, Rene Menor, Hanson So Jr., Rico Depilo, Joenard Rates, Gene Bondoc, Danny Zarate, Ebarra Quiachon, Dino Villanueva and Antolin Fernando.

The PGTI will also conduct a separate Q-School for foreign pros to accommodate the growing number of entries who have signified their intention to play in Asia’s fastest growing pro golf league put up by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

The foreign Q-School will be held Jan. 13-17 at Eagle Ridge’s Aoki layout with deadline for registration is on Jan. 10.

Heading the early roster is Manila-based Canadian Rick Gibson, winner of a number of tournaments in the previous local circuit and now coach of top local pro Miguel Tabuena.

Entry fee of the foreign Q-School is pegged at P10,000. For details, contact PGT (Jocelyn Duque) at 049-5492564 or 0915-7824751 or download application at pgt.ph.