Monsalve hot national stroke play favorite

Ryan Monsalve seeks to open the new PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour season the way he closed out 2019, as he spearheads a crack roster of players in the National Stroke Play Championship unfolding on Jan. 7 at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite.

With partner Lanz Uy, Monsalve put on a strong windup as they routed the field by eight in the National Doubles Championship at Camp Aguinaldo last week. Monsalve is now raring to showcase his individual skills and talent in pursuit of the crown in the four-day tournament, which used to be the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship.

Uy has begged off due to academic concerns, but the depth of the field remains as talent-laden as ever with those who vied in the National Doubles also in the list, including Dan Cruz, Sean Ramos, Josh Jorge, Jonar Austria and Gabby Macalaguim, among others.

Gen Nagai edged Thai ace and Youth Olympics gold medalist Vanchai Luangnitikul in sudden death to snare the men’s crown last year while Lois Kaye Go edged Bianca Pagdanganan by one to top the women’s side with the same tight, unpredictable finish expected in the upcoming event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP).

Meanwhile, next up for the new season is the 25th WExpress RVF Cup Amateur Open Golf Championship on Feb. 11-14 at Canlubang Golf and Country Club with Jolo Magcalayo and Junia Gabasa expected to defend their respective crowns. For details, call NGAP at telefax (02) 7065926 or at Riviera Golf Club, Inc. at (02) 888-9089 or 0956-8821149 email [email protected].

Others expected to join the National Stroke Play title hunt are young guns Eagle Ace Superal, Laurea Duque and Rianne Malixi.