$1-M Manila Masters unwraps today

CARMONA, Cavite — Defending champion Mardan Mamat of Singapore will be tested in his bid to retain the title in the $1-million (R46 million) Resorts World Manila Masters which kicks off today at the Manila Southwoods. Mamat was the surprise champion of the country’s richest golf tournament last year after mastering the Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters Course during which he shot all rounds in the 60s in winning by six strokes.

But repeating can be a daunting task as the field is littered with Asian stars, many of whom are ready to deny Mamat and establish their own mark in the tournament considered the biggest ever in the Philippines.

“I’m looking forward to defend my title. Believe it or not, I like the Masters course by (Jack) Nicklaus which I think favors my game so much,” said Mamat who last May won an Asian Tour event in Bangladesh.

“I like to make good use of my shots and take advantage of the par-5s,” added Mamat, who strung up rounds of 6568-66-69 last year to beat Frenchman Lionel Weber.

Angelo Que, one of the country’s top hopes, will get a front row view of Mamat as they tee off together in one of the more intriguing pairings, while the other Filipino hope, Miguel Tabuena, joins Thai ace Prom Meesawat in another featured flight.

Que hopes to provide the early challenge in their 11:05 a.m. flight on No. 1 with Thai Danthai Boonma with the three-time Asian Tour winner coming in fresh and confident in what could be his best chance to end a long title spell.

“I took time out from competitive golf last week to prepare for the Masters. I sort of got burned out last year because I kept playing in every tournament towards the end of the year,” said Que. “But it will be different now since I am well rested and better prepared.”

What motivates the long-hitting Filipino ace is his desire to make up for his missed cut here last year with a new mindset and a confidence built around his familiarity with the hazard-laden layout.

“I really looked forward to this tournament and I hope I can do a big rebound this year,” said Que. “I’ve been playing Southwoods since I was an amateur and I know where to put the ball even if I miss the targets.”

Tabuena also exudes confidence heading to the event, having won the local circuit’s Order of Merit title. But he will be as much tested as Que and Mamat as he faces Meesawat and Japanese Masahiro Kawamura in the 11:15 p.m. flight, also on No. 1.