Unique format sets up wide-open finish in Eagle Ridge tilt

MANILA, Philippines — Players gear up for a shootout in the first two days at Eagle Ridge but brace for survival in the last two rounds, ensuring a wild, wide-open finish in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club tournament on Tuesday in Cavite.

The novel format of the upcoming P3-million tournament, serving as the third leg of this year’s ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, makes the title chase doubly interesting with golfers tackling three different courses in all four days at Eagle Ridge’s sprawling golf complex.

The 100-player field will play the Norman and Faldo courses in the first two days where they will battle for the 40-plus ties slots before moving over to the challenging Aoki layout for the third and fourth rounds.

The Dye course was supposed to be the third round venue but the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. said it would not be ready in time for the event.

“I think the players should take advantage of the friendly Norman and Faldo courses. In fact, they should post good scores at them then give it a go at Aoki,” said Eagle Ridge general manager Raymond Bunquin.

“They should also be wary of the Faldo course because it could get testy there too depending on course condition and pin placement,” said Bunquin of the 7,343-yard layout.

Splendido title winner Jay Bayron and John Hay champ Jun Rates head the cast in the event sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

The tournament offers a top purse of P550,000.

Others joining the hunt are reigning Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña and three-time Asian Tour winner Angelo Que.