Former national champ a solid Solaire bet

MANILA, Philippines — Berry Henson, whose first win on the Asian Tour came in dramatic fashion in the Philippines three years ago, banners a strong foreign contingent seeing action in the $300,000 Solaire Open that tees off next week at The Country Club in Laguna.

The American, who fended off Jay Bayron to win the PH Open at Wack Wack for the biggest win of his career, is looking at his next stint on Philippine soil as a stepping stone to a great year on the Tour so he can take his career to the next level.

“I feel very comfortable out here (in the Philippines) and I feel that I can compete for the Order of Merit crown so I’m looking for a few wins here this year,” Benson said.

The 72-hole event, which was held at Wack Wack East last year, starts March 13.

Other big international events slated to be played in the Philippines are the Open in May also at the East course of Wack Wack and the Resorts World Manila Masters at Southwoods.

The Country Club, incidentally, will be hosting just the second professional event after the rich The Country Club Invitational that is reserved for local golfers.

Angelo Que banners the local challenge along with Antonio Lascuna and 2011 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Juvic Pagunsan.