Dy-Fortuna pair eyes top finish in National Doubles tiff

MANILA, Philippines — Premium will be on accuracy as 20 teams aim to gain the head start in a tournament with varied formats in the National Doubles Amateur Golf Championship reeling off today at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club.

Jed Dy and Mikha Fortuna loom as the tandem to beat in the three-day event with the former looking to make it two straight after teaming up with LPGA Tour-bound Bianca Pagdanganan last year. But the rest, who stayed in top shape even during the holidays, all hope to end 2019 with a victory for the momentum needed for the next season’s campaign beginning Jan. 7  at Riviera.

Reigning Indonesian amateur titlist Luis Castro and fellow SEA Games bronze medal team member Sean Ramos are also tipped to contend for the crown with Andres Lorenzo and Gabby Macalaguim as partners, respectively, along with the pairs of Zachary Castro-Miguel Ilas, Luigi Guerrero-Dan Cruz, Aldo Barro-Ivan Monsalve, Don Petil-Leandro Bagtas, Josh Jorge-Santino Laurel and Jonar Austria-Marco Olives.

Play will be four-ball (best ball) with action shifting to aggregate tomorrow, then the two-ball foursomes (alternate shot) to cap the closing event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines and sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation.

Four girls’ tandems are also out to spring a surprise, including Rianne Malixi and Precious Zaragosa, and Laureas Duque and Eagle Ace Superal, Tomita Arejola and Nicole Abelar, and Sam Martirez and Diana Araneta.