Wack Wack East tests tough Asian Tour field anew

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from its long history, what makes the ICTSI Philippine Open such a distinct tournament from all of its counterparts in Asia is the East course of Wack Wack that never gets tired of punishing the elite field.

“We (players) know that for a fact, because the scores we post in all the other tournaments we play in have gone lower,” Angelo Que, a bright hope for the Philippines in the $300,000 event presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and PLDT, said.

“The scores here at the East course have remained the same through the years, 5- or 6-under and you have a chance to win; 5-or 6-over (after 36 holes) and you make the cut,” Que, the 2008 champion, added.

Several past champions have returned, with Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, the 2012 winner, and Berry Henson of the United States, the champion the year before, owning an advantage over the field because they know how to win at the East course.

“This is the Augusta (National, home of the US Masters) of the Philippines,” said Benson, who nipped Jay Bayron by one also with a 283 total in 2011. “You have to be very patient.”

Que believes that the bending layout and the cow grass are what make the East course the beast that it is on the Asian Tour and that the par-3 eighth hole could make or break anyone’s chances in the event.

So for the next four days starting Thursday, only the players who conquer the East course will hog the spotlight.

Someone will do it, for sure, and it will be a truly magical week for that man.