Balasabas back in action
Whatever the outcome will be, I will be happy
Philippine Masters champion Jerson Balasabas is excited to return to action after getting cleared to play in the ICTSI Riviera Championship slated Tuesday at the Langer course of the Riviera Golf and Country Club.
“Whatever the outcome will be, I will be happy,” said the 38-year-old former caddie who hails from Zamboanga.
Balasabas tested negative in two mandatory tests held Friday. He will again take the antigen test before checking in at the Bayview Hotel in General Trias, Cavite where all participants are billeted.
Balasabas was unable to take part in the ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge last month after testing positive in the rapid test. However, he was negative in the RT-PCR test.
The 10-year pro, now based in Biñan, Laguna, was quarantined at home for 14 days before allowed to practice again.
Balasabas said he managed to squeeze in three rounds of golf at Villamor Golf Club.
“I hit shots like a wiper, but I still end up with pars,” said Balasabas who placed third last year during the Philippine Golf Tour Asia leg at Langer course.
To get him to destination, Balasabas said he borrowed the car he sold to his brother during the coronavirus pandemic.
“If I earn enough, I might get my car back,” he said.
The P2.5 million event bankrolled by ICTSI will be the last this year and coincides with the ladies’ tournament to be played at the same venue.
The par- 71 Langer course, which measures up to more than 7,000 yards, has been spruced up to championship condition.
Tony Lascuña, who won at the Couples course, remains the man to beat, but Johnnel Ababa said he can be beaten.
“It’s more of a question of endurance since it’s a long course,” said Ababa who placed 19th at Couples despite nursing a wrist injury.
I hit shots like a wiper, but I still end up with pars,” said Balasabas who placed third last year during the Philippine Golf Tour Asia leg at Langer course.
Lascuña, who beat Ira Christian Alido and Rupert Zaragosa by four shots, expects a tougher competition at Langer.
“Langer is a long course and there are so many tests to consider and overcome along the way,” he said.
Alido hopes to ride on the momentum of his final round 69 at Couples to climb into a tie for second with Zaragosa.
“My expectations remain the same before I compete in every tournament — with a mindset that I can win,” Alido said.