ICTSI Luisita leg under way

FRANKIE Miñoza returns to the site of one of his greatest triumphs when the P2-million ICTSI Luisita Championship tees off Wednesday in Tarlac.

The legendary shotmaker from Bukidnon will banner a crack field as the famous Robert Trent Jones course  hosts  a pro tournament for the first time since 1989.

Miñoza won that event—the President’s Cup—over the likes of Mexico’s Carlos Espinosa and Canadian Rick Gibson.

The layout, still well-manicured although well short by today’s international standards, could be at the mercy of the talented field that also includes reigning three-time Order of Merit champion Antonio Lascuña and a handful of foreign entries.

“Frankie is Frankie,” Lascuña said after the pro-am yesterday. “I believe he still has what it takes to win.”

Miguel Tabuena could find the course to his liking, underscoring  his strong chance by leading his team composed of Iggy Clavecilla, Richie Garcia and Jojo Guingona to the pro-am title with a 17-under-55.

The 17th hole, a par-3 that could stretch up to 200 yards with a huge pond guarding the front of the small green, will be the hole that could make or break anyone’s chances here.

“If I am even or under on the par-3s [for the week], I’ll win,” Tabuena, the winner of the kickoff leg at Splendido, said.