WITH Juvic Pagunsan expected to defend his title, the $100,000 Aboitiz Invitational of the Asian Development Tour could see a reprise of the classic slugfest he had with close buddy Jay Bayron in the event’s first edition in Cebu.
Pagunsan, a veteran of the lucrative Japan Tour, and Bayron, the champion in 2011, head a bumper cast of locals playing in the Aug. 3 to 6 event, which will play at a different venue for the fourth straight year.
Wack Wack East, for a long time the home of the Philippine Open, will host the 72-hole championship, which Pagunsan and Bayron will try to win again.
Bayron nipped Pagunsan by a stroke in Cebu five years ago, with Pagunsan barely missing a chip from about 50 yards on the 18th for birdie that would have forged a playoff.
“I’m excited to play the event again,” said the 37-year-old Bayron, who recalled days until he was 19 when he caddied for President Duterte at Davao’s Apo Golf, during the event’s launch on Tuesday.
On the same year he won over Pagunsan, Bayron lost the Philippine Open to American Berry Henson at Wack Wack East by a shot.
“That was a painful loss because I played so well and still lost,” said Bayron.
“We are proud to welcome the return of the Aboitiz Invitational and we are looking forward to working with the ADT,” said Erramon Aboitiz, president and CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.
Ricky Razon, chair and president of Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI), said: “The ADT has always been a great platform for budding golfers to hone their skills and advance their careers. We are happy to do our part in helping these players.” Musong R. Castillo