Sr Am golf: Tight battle expected

PEPOT Iñigo will be the marked man but a slew of contenders, including former five-time champion Iggy Clavecilla, will be out to stop his back-to-back title bid in the Philippine Seniors Amateur Golf Championship which fires off tomorrow at Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club.

Iñigo came from behind to beat Mari Hechanova at Riviera last year, ending a five-year reign by Clavecilla in the centerpiece Open division of the annual event, part of the NGAP (National Golf Association of the Philippines) Globe Business Amateur Circuit.

A down-to-the-wire finish is again expected with former national champions Francis Gaston and Rolly Viray, Dave Hernandez, Lino Magpantay, Bing Bunye Tony Olives, Jose Vilchez, Jimmy Tambogon and Hechanova joining the hunt for the crown.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos and DND Asec for Comptrollership Ernesto Boac representing Sec Voltaire Gazmin, will hit the ceremonial drive to kick off the 54-hole NGAP tournament sponsored by Pancake, Mizuno, Titleist Golf Depot and Alveo Land.

Joining them in the ceremonials are AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa, NGAP chair Rod Feliciano and NGAP president Tommy Manotoc.

The Open category is set over 54 holes and the Classes A (handicap 510) and B (10.1-16) to be played over 36 holes. Spicing up the event is the first Mid-Amateur division featuring players from the 30-54 age bracket.

Also on tap are the age group competitions set over 36 holes in the first and third day. Registration is ongoing. For inquiries, call 5179778, 5577849 or 7065926 or email ngapgolf@rocketmail.com.