The professional stars came out swinging and perked up the fun in what was supposed to be an amateurs-only event. No wonder golfers say it’s more fun at Sta. Elena.
Juvic Pagunsan, the Asian Tour No. 1 preparing early for a career-changing season that will see him play at the British
Open, made a rare appearance in a member-guest event and played alongside business tycoon Rico Tantoco in the Sta. Elena Cup tournament of the multi-awarded club in Cabuyao, Laguna.
Three other pro stars, Guido Van der Valk, Rick Gibson and former Philippine Open champion Angelo Que, were in the field, adding luster to a cast featuring some of the country’s best club players.
Testing the superb conditions of the course was the obvious intention as the speed of the greens was likened to pro Tour quality, the main challenge of the competition presented by Omega and Lexus which did not allow gimmes and mulligans.
The other sponsors were Canon, SAP, Mizuno, Tourmaster, Club Car, Yamaha, L’Oreal, Asia Brewery, Novellino, Selecta and Chivas Regal.
“Of course, we’re deeply honored by their presence and their appreciation of the course conditions was considered a big pat on the back not just for the maintenance team but the Sta. Elena organization as a whole,” said Sta. Elena general manager Junie Ledesma.