The Duel: South golfers enjoy huge advantage

THE SOUTH, bannered by a number of talented products from Davao, seems to have an enormous edge in its battle against the North as the country’s version of the Ryder Cup dubbed simply as “The Duel,” tees off this Wednesday at posh Alabang Golf Club.

A merry mix of past and present stars who are all proven winners comprise the South, which will be skippered by ICTSI rookie Charles Hong.

Antonio Lascuña, who won the Eagle Ridge Invitational on Friday, former Philippine Open winners Cassius Casas and Elmer Salvador, and Jay Bayron spearhead the South.

“With the players I have, I feel confident of our chances. On paper, we have the upper hand and with group morale, we can’t ask for a better team,” said Hong.

But North captain Cookie La’O, who has Artemio Murakami, Miguel Tabuena, Mars Pucay and Angelo Que at his disposal, believes his squad has an even chance despite the odds.

“I like our chances this week. On paper, it looks like we are the underdogs but the guys are very eager to play and confident of pulling off upsets,” said La’O.

The highlight of “The Duel,” which is being organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. is the 12 singles matches on Friday.

The first team to win 16.5 points will pocket the first-ever edition of the novel event, which drew support from ICTSI and backing from Titleist, FootJoy, Callaway, Nike Golf, TaylorMade, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Srixon and Alabang Golf Club.

Gerald Rosales, Jun Bernis, Benjie Magada, Gene Bondoc, Michael Bibat, Randy Garalde and Joenard Rates round out the North roster.

Completing the South lineup are Jhonnel Ababa, Marvin Dumandan, Mark Fernando, Anthony Fernando, Elmer Saban, Richard Sinfuego, Ferdie Aunzo and Rufino Bayron.