Tony brings sizzling form to Summit Point Classic

The country’s top parbusters tackle the Summit Point Golf Club in Batangas for the first time in the ICTSI Summit Point Golf Classic with organizers expecting a close battle for top honors starting tomorrow.

“It will be a wide-open race since no one holds a distinct advantage at Summit Point,” said Tony Lascuña, the hottest player this season, who headlines the star-studded field in the P1-million event serving as the third to the last leg of the 16-stage circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

The winner of four Tour legs, including three straight at Bacolod, Riviera and Southwoods, Lascuña is the definitive tournament favorite following a joint runner-up finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last Sunday.

But the reigning back-to-back Order of Merit champion has opted to downplay his chances for another championship, citing his lack of familiarity with the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course, which was inspired by famous holes from the world’s greatest layouts, including No. 16 of Oakland Hills, No. 14 of St. Andrews and the Amen Corner of Augusta.

“I will try to put myself in contention,” said Lascuña, who is now No. 3 in the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

The ace Davao shotmaker hopes to make it to today’s traditional pro-am tournament where he will join the other leading pros along with guests of the event’s chief backers, including Nike Golf, Pacsports Phils. Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Mizuno, Empire Golf, Footjoy, Titleist, Custom Clubmakers, Sharp and KZG.

Out to challenge Lascuña in the tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. is a slew of talented players, led by leg winners of this year’s circuit Jay Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas, Rufino Bayron, Charles Hong, Jun Rates and Zanie Boy Gialon.