The men and women of the tour set out for the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Challenge beginning Tuesday at the complex’ Aoki course as they try to shrug off some rust from long layoffs as local pro golf swings back into action with two simultaneous events.
Young Ira Alido will come into the men’s event on a high, with a nine-stroke breakthrough victory last December still fresh on his mind as he goes up against basically the same field of aces he dominated at Riviera.
“I think my advantage is I’m playing with a high level of confidence,” said Alido, who nevertheless remains wary of the field that will welcome back three Del Monte aces led by the long-hitting Clyde Mondilla, who missed the PGT restart last year because of travel restrictions.
The revered Frankie Miñoza also makes an appearance together with Reymon Jaraula, who annexed his first PGT win at Pueblo de Oro in 2019.
The P2 million event will also have former Philippine Open champs Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena, and the multititled Tony Lascuña.
Princess Superal and Pauline del Rosario will be renewing their rivalry in the LPGT side of the event where many-time national champion Harmie Constantino makes her pro debut.
“We’re all a bit rusty, but it’s nice to be playing at home again,” said Tabuena, who tied for seventh and 11th in the two Riviera events.