ICTSI backs 2 ADT events at Riviera, Orchard

MANILA, Philippines - Local golf’s chief backer International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) will title sponsor two Asian Development Tour (ADT) events beginning with the ICTSI Riviera Classic on Wednesday, further boosting the sport while providing local pros the chance to measure up to their foreign counterparts.

The Riviera Classic and the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on June 4-7 will offer prize funds of $60,000 each where the local aces and rising stars will compete against an international field from the ADT, which is the gateway to the premier Asian Tour.

“We are pleased to title sponsor two events on the ADT, which is a very good platform for upcoming players to showcase their talents and launch their careers onto the Asian Tour,” said Ricky Razon, chairman and president of ICTSI, which is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating container ports and terminals worldwide.

The inclusion of the two ICTSI-sponsored events will raise the total of tournaments on the ADT to 16 events this season. The ADT was launched in 2010 with five events and was granted Official World Golf Ranking status in 2013.

This marks the first time that Riviera will host an ADT event although it has staged two editions of the Philippine Open of the Asian Tour, including in 1998 where Frankie Miñoza bagged his first-ever Phl Open crown.

The ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship, on the other hand, made its debut on the ADT in 2012 where Singaporean Quincy Quek claimed his breakthrough victory. It was also the first ADT tournament which ICTSI sponsored on the ADT.

“We are hopeful that Filipino golfers will make use of these playing opportunities to gain experience. With world ranking points on offer as well for all ADT events, it is a great opportunity for our golfers to pick up valuable points in their goal to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” said Razon.  

ICTSI’s involvement with pro golf also extends to the Asian Tour where it is also the title sponsor of the storied Philippine Open, held at Wack Wack recently. It is also a strong supporter of the Philippine Golf Tour, and also sponsors a number of Filipino players, including local hero Angelo Que.

Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han expressed his gratitude to ICTSI for its sponsorship on the ADT.

“On behalf of our players, I would like to thank ICTSI for its continuous support of golf across Asia. There are many upcoming young talents in the Philippines and we hope they can harness and nurture their games before taking it to a higher level on the Asian Tour,” said Han.