Ng seeks back-to-back Phl Am plum

MANILA, Philippines - Jerome Ng sets out for his defense of the Philippine Amateur Open golf crown beginning Monday against a crack local field out for redemption at Wack Wack’s East Course.

Ng will head the tough Singaporean squad that includes Johnson Poh, Abdul Hadi and Marc Ong while a slew of South Korean expats are joining the title hunt in the event presented by the MVP Sports Foundation that fires off at Wack Wack East.

Foreigners have ruled the event the last three years with the Singaporeans winning the last two, with Gregory Foo, whose mother is from the Philippines, winning in 2012.

But the local talents are out to stop the foreign domination with Tonlits Asistio, the former pro and multi- titled amateur, making his big individual comeback in the event forming part of the PLDT Group Amateur tour and backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot and Pacsports.

Jobim Carlos, a member of the national team that regained the Putra Cup last year, will also be in the fold in the absence of fellow national Rupert Zaragosa, the pint- sized wonder from Canlubang who failed to get a leave from school.

Reigning 13-14 Junior World champion Kristopher Arevalo and veteran campaigner Andres Saldana are also entered in the event which also serves as the kick-off leg of the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines’ series that would determine members of the national team that will vie in three major international events this year, including the World Amateurs in Japan.

“Aside from the world ranking points in R&A- sanctioned tournaments that players gain in tournaments here and abroad, our events like the Philippine Am will help the NGAP determine our national players this year,” NGAP president Tommy Manotoc said.

Last year, Ng posted a winning total of 300 as no player cracked par under difficult conditions at the fabled layout, which is also home to the Philippine Open.