PGT Tour resumes at Caliraya Springs

MANILA, Philippines — The Caliraya Springs Golf and Country Club expects to provide new challenges for both the men of the tour and the touring ladies as it hosts the country’s premier pro circuits for the first time in its two decades of operation starting Tuesday in Cavinti, Laguna.

The organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. has tapped the Arnold Palmer-designed layout as the newest venue of the circuit in new normal, putting premium on the layout’s untested terrains with an elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level, water hazards and undulating surface that will spice up the chase for top honors in the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship.

The PGTI held both tours simultaneously at the fabled Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac last month with Miguel Tabuena edging Clyde Mondilla on the second playoff hole to rule the 72-hole Philippine Golf Tour. Amateur Rianne Malixi bested multi-titled Princess Superal at the finish to make it two-in-row in the Ladies PGT following a dominant victory at Midlands last December.

But the two title protagonists won’t be around in the P750,000 championship with Superal out to resume her campaign in Thailand and the 15-year-old Malixi seeking honors in the premier junior circuits in the United States.

Meanwhile, Chanelle Avaricio, reveling in her recent success at Hallow Ridge where she nipped Superal in sudden death, banners the ladies cast that includes reigning OOM winner Harmie Constantino and leg winners Sunshine Baraquiel and Daniella Uy, along with former leg champion Chihiro Ikeda.

The P2 million PGT championship is also heading to another thrilling finish with the select field eager and ready to tackle the par-72, 6,788-yard course which requires a variety of shot lengths, especially in the presence of the wind.