Journeyman looks to make PH Open via backdoor for shot at history

Jessie Balasabas says anything is possible in golf, even at the age of 42. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO .

There are just a handful of players who have won the Philippine Open and the PH Masters at least once in their careers, and Jessie Balasabas knows that he is a long shot to do that.

But the 42-year-old ex-caddy from Zamboanga is more than willing to give it a shot, even if he takes the long route to make the main draw of the $500,000 event and join a short list of great players who were able to achieve the feat.

Mix of talents

“Anything is possible in our sport,” Balasabas told the Inquirer in Filipino shortly after a practice round at Canlubang North, the venue of qualifying, on New Year’s Eve as he banners a small but talent-laden field that will chase at least four slots for the Open slated on Jan. 23 to 26 at Manila Southwoods’ Masters layout.

“I have been preparing for this,” he went on, referring to the 18-hole qualifying where a merry mix of seasoned talents and rising stars are playing. “I realize what’s in store for me and I am willing to give it my best shot.”

Frankie Miñoza and Robert Pactolerin, the biggest golf names in the country almost three decades back, and Angelo Que last year are the last Filipinos to win the Open and the Masters in their careers. And it’s no easy feat since both are distinctively different tests.

Balasabas won in sudden death over Dutchman Guido Van der Valk in 2018 to win the Masters at tree-lined Villamor, and the Zambo native hasn’t tasted victory ever since.

Amateur qualifying

Meanwhile, the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines will also be holding a 72-hole qualifying for four amateur slots in Silang, Cavite when the Riviera Am is played at the Couples course from Jan. 7.

The top four finishers there will be joining reigning PH Am champ Zeus Sara and Putra Cup champion member Shin Suzuki, who were given direct entries into the main event.

Former champions Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que will be at the forefront of the local challenge, which will be made up of the top 25 finishers in last year’s Order of Merit of the Philippine Golf Tour which the ageless Antonio Lascuña ruled before he turned 54 late last month.