RP golfers start bid in Putra Cup

KUALA LUMPUR --The men's and women's national team will start Tuesday their bid for the Putra Cup and Santi Cup titles in the Southeast Asia Amateur Golf Team Championship at the Royal Selangor Golf Club. Former national amateur champion and last year's holdover Mhark Fernando is expected to spearhead the Putra Cup squad along with Jhonel Ababa, Jerson Balasabas and Miguel Tabuena in the 50th edition of the tournament. Chihiro Ikeda and Dottie Ardina, who powered RP to a runner-up finish in Chiang Rai, Thailand, are the lead members in the Santi Cup, a ladies event which was inaugurated in 2009, with Andrea Unson and Irina Gabasa providing support. The RP parbusters will try to dislodge powerhouse Thailand, which topped all the divisions, including the Lion City Cup for junior golfers, previously. National coach Bong Lopez sees a bright indication. "We have a very competitive lineup this year. I expect them (men and ladies) to fight hard and win," said Lopez, who was tapped to head the distaff side. Jobim Carlos is the most experienced player, this after seeing action in last year’s Lion City Cup. He will be joined by Clyde Mondilla, the current national amateur champion, Andres Saldana and Miguel Yee. Carlos and his crew almost failed to compete in the Putra Cup after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) disapproved the budget. Thanks to NGAP and the Junior Golf Foundation of the Phil., they got to Malaysia on time. "Now, they really have to perform well to prove themselves. Even with what happened, the jungolfers are equally excited to join the event," said NGAP director Pablo Soon. Aside from the Philippines and Thailand, other countries competing in the event are host Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Hong Kong. - RCJ/Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV