Southwoods Invitational all set

MANILA, Philippines — With the opening of the last four greens completing the 18-hole green renovations, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club is ready to showcase the spruced-up Masters and Legends courses to the 400 registered participants for the Invitational, which gets underway on Wednesday.

Both Masters and Legends were affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption but grounds director John Cope and his maintenance team fast-tracked the rehabilitation on time for the Manila Southwoods’ annual member-guest tournament that will run up to Feb. 22.

“The courses are in pristine condition. John (Cope) and his crew did a splendid job in bringing them back to immaculate status – the Masters and Legends that they are known for. I hope everyone enjoys playing,” said Manila Southwoods chairman Robert John Sobrepena.

General manager Mark Watson said the club actually prepared months ahead than the usual schedule to ensure the smooth staging of the Invitational that stakes handsome prizes for the raffle as well as for the hole-in-one. Awaiting those who can make an ace are the following: a Mitsubishi Mirage G4 from Mitsubishi Motors and Alpine Motors and a 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise on board the Allure of the Seas for two with airfare courtesy of Royal Carribean and Baron Travel.

For the tournament, there will be five men’s divisions, one for ladies plus the overall net and gross teams champions. The Club has Agrexplore, Nutranta and The Turf Company as Platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors are HBW Enterprises and Suzuki the renowned Southwoods club fitter.