Ranking and Olympic points stake in Manila Masters
An opportunity to earn valuable world ranking points and perhaps a chance to play in the Olympics will be on offer to Filipino golfers in the third edition of the Resorts World Manila Masters which fires off on Nov. 19 to 22 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
“It has always been our commitment to champion the Filipino and we hope our Filipino golfers will earn valuable Official World Golf Ranking points on offer at the tournament to enhance their hopes of playing in the Olympics,” said Resorts World Manila Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly yesterday.
The tournament is the richest ever in the Philippine golf calendar with its $1-million (R46.7 million) pot and the lucrative prize is expected to draw the biggest names in Asian golf.
“We’ve witnessed two memorable editions and I’m sure this year’s tournament will provide greater drama and excitement,” said Asian Tour CEU Mike Kerr during the press conference at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
“Filipino golfers such as Angelo Que, Antonio Lascuña, Juvic Pagunsan and Miguel Tabuena have been successful on the Asian Tour in recent years and I’m sure they will be trying their best to secure a first home victory for the country,” Kerr added.
Aside from the $1-million total prize pot at stake, Kerr also said players get to compete against the best in Asia for ranking points in their respective quest for berths in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Apart from the country’s top bets, organizers are expecting inaugural champion Liang Wen-chong of China and reigning titlist Mardan Mamat of Singapore to participate in the event as it promises a more challenging course with fast greens.
“Low scores over the last two editions reflect the talent of the players. The quality of golf in Asia in general is increasing at an incredible pace and we’re trying to keep up with that,” said Kerr, who appeared alongside Manila Southwoods Chairman Bob Sobrepeña.
The tournament will be showcased through live television broadcasts, which have the potential to reach 625 million homes in 180 countries, according to Reilly.