Team South eyes payback

MANILA, Philippines — Foiled the last time out, Team South sets out not just for redemption but also domination of a side that is likewise keen on bucking the odds and proving its worth again in The Duel – North vs South which gets going tomorrow at the posh Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.

That should guarantee a spirited battle right in the first pairing of the opening foursomes where the Southerners vow to reassert their might and impose their will early for the momentum needed in such kind of a duel that puts premium both on team play and on individual skills.

Blessed with a roster bannered by some of the country’s top guns, South coach Charles Hong believes they have the edge not just in cohesion but also in personnel which he hopes to use to the hilt to fuel another successful title drive in the country’s version of the Ryder Cup put up by ICTSI.

“Our thoughts are to build on the chemistry our group has,” said Hong. “We have new players but the core is intact and a lot of our guys just came from wins on the tour which should build our confidence.”

Truly, South boasts three players who won four of the nine titles disputed in this year’s Philippine Golf Tour, led by multi-titled Tony Lascuña, who closed out the milestone 10th season of the circuit with back-to-back victories at Apo and South Pacific.

Reymon Jaraula also scored a breakthrough at Pueblo de Oro while Jhonnel Ababa dominated the field at Del Monte.

Also vying are reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla and veterans Jay Bayron, Elmer Salvador, former Masters titlist Jerson Balasabas, Albin Engino, Zanieboy Gialon, Arnold Villacencio, Nilo Salahog and Rene Menor, a former PGT Asia leg winner.