Local aces have different plans on how to attack Luisita Golf and Country Club when the $100,000-CAT (Central Azucarera de Tarlac) Open reels off Wednesday.
Tony Lascuña, fresh off a come-from-behind victory at Wack Wack, puts premium on putting, Clyde Mondilla and Jobim Carlos are banking on their long game, while Zanieboy Gialon opts for conservative play.
With the par-72 championship layout in great shape, expect a tight battle for the $17,500 top purse among the 94-man field in the event serving as the fifth leg of the inaugural Philippine Golf Tour Asia.
“The course is in great shape, especially the greens,” said Lascuña. “I think it will all boil down to putting. There are fast greens and those that bite, so you really have to be very careful with each shot.”
Mondilla, who withdrew at Wack Wack due to foot blisters, is raring for a big rebound in search of a second PGTA title after winning the Riviera Classic last September.
“It’s anybody’s game but I think my chances are good in his course even against the foreign aces,” said Mondilla who, with Carlos, had also pointed at the wind as a big factor to one’s title bid in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “I can hit my drive without hesitation.”
“The wind blows from all directions and this is the first time that I encounter this condition here. But if you can play with it and through the hazards, you’ll have a big chance,” added Carlos.
Gialon, who routed the field at PGT Calatagan, stressed the need for accuracy and putting against a talent-laden field.