THE men and ladies of the Philippine Golf Tour face a daunting test when the circuit returns to Pradera Verde next week with a stiff breeze expected to blow from start to finish, adding up to the tricks and traps already in place at the long, challenging championship layout.
Wind conditions at the well-kept championship course at this time of the year are at their toughest, with Pradera to test the players’ ability to adapt and their readiness for change that will require them to dish out a full array of shots while facing penalty for the slightest miscue.
Juvic Pagunsan, who edged Tony Lascuña in sudden death to snatch the ICTSI Riviera Championship crown in a wild finish at Langer two weeks ago, won’t be around for the final leg of this year’s PGT, which tees off on Oct. 25, to honor a previous commitment to play in the Japan Golf Tour, his base the past decade. But the Pradera Verde field remains as deep as ever with Michael Bibat back in the hunt after skipping the Riviera leg following a victory at Eagle Ridge-Aoki last July.
“The long hitters have the edge at Pradera but with the wind conditions, everybody has a chance with premium on club selections and the ability to hit low shots while driving through or against the wind,” said the multi-titled Lascuna, who also tied for second with Reymon Jaraula at Eagle Ridge.
Bibat is also upbeat of his chances for a second championship but stressed the need to toughen up and sharpen his iron game to earn another title crack in the event sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, inc.
