Juvic rejoins tour as PGT unfolds

BACOLOD – Juvic Pagunsan hopes to make the most of his rare stint on the Philippine Golf Tour, eager to mark his comeback with a victory on the very

course where he nurtured his game and won the Philippine Amateur crown in 2006. The smooth-swinging ace, who has made the Japan PGA Tour his base the last few years, is on a break from the lucrative circuit and on the roster of the P3.5 million ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic, which gets going today at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club course.

Pagunsan last saw action in The Country Club Invitational last year, losing to Miguel Tabuena by one in a thrilling final round duel. He last won in 2015 in the Aboitiz Invitational, beating Thai Nirun Sae-ueng Juvic Pagunsan hopes to deliver at home. by eight at Manila Southwoods. dominating the field in the

Despite his long absence on Bacolod Golf Challenge last the ICTSI-sponsored local circuit, week. which he also dominated in its “I hope I can do it backto-back,” early staging, the former Asian said the 22-year-old Tour Order of Merit champion, shotmaker, who beat veteran who hails from nearby Murcia and multi-titled Jay Bayron town, is expected to crowd the by five at the Binitin layout. “I big guns and tour veterans for top know I can measure up with the honors this week. best and I’m in good shape.”

He drew a late tee-time of 11:30 He tees at 7:10 a.m., also on a.m. on No. 1 in the company No. 1, with Albin Engino and of Jama Reyes and Japanese Yu James Ryan Lam. Ikeda but is nevertheless tipped Meanwhile, American to flash his local knowledge of the Lexus Keoninh served notice tree-lined, hazard-laden course. of his title bid as he led his

But the stellar international team composed of amateurs field is unfazed by his presence Santino Tabora, Nicolo Torre with young Justin Quiban all and Angelo Uichico to the proam focused on nailing a second crown with an 18-under 52, straight diadem in the circuit edging Engino’s team of Tess organized by Pilipinas Mendell, Ma. Fe Benedicto and Golf Tournaments, Inc. after Jhay Broad by one.