JUVIC Pagunsan returns to the ICTSI Tour this week as part of the Calatagan Challenge where he will be the logical man to beat after impressive finishes in the Japan Tour the last two weeks.
After cornering purses totaling P2.5 million in the Tsuruya Open and at The Crowns in Aichi, Pagunsan sees action in the P1 million event in Batangas on a course he knows so well.
Miguel Tabuena is also in the field and the 18-year-old phenomenon will be itching to bounce back after being pipped in a playoff by Jay Bayron in the John Hay Championship in Baguio two weeks ago.
Pagunsan has an advantage over most of those in the Calatagan field because of his vast knowledge of the course where most of the stalwarts of the Canlubang program in the amateurs were housed a few years back.
Jonel Ababa, Rufino Bayron and Mark Fernando are among those former Canlubang players who know practically every bounce and every green on the Robert Trent Jones-designed gem.
Most of those in the field will get to sample the par-72 layout today during the traditional pro-am tournament where they will be paired with amateur guests from the sponsoring ICTSI and the event’s other backers, including Nike Golf, Empire Golf and Sports Shop, Mizuno, Titleist, Srixon, Foot Joy, Callaway, Pacsports, Custom Clubmakers, Cleveland Golf and Sharp.