Davao's Aunzo eyes back-to-back at Northwoods

Davoa's Ferdie Aunzo tries to become only the second player to defend a crown on the
ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour this year  as he goes for back-to-back victory at the
ICTSI-Royal Northwoods Championships beginning Oct. 6 in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Aunzo foiled veteran Rey Pagunsan’s final round charge to snatch a one-stroke
victory at Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club last year and record his
maiden victory on the 54-hole pro circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf
Tournaments, Inc.
But the former national champion failed to score another win in the current
season although he turned in a couple of joint runner-up finishes, including at
ICTSI-Apo where Juvic Pagunsan ruled for the second straight year.
Pagunsan, along with the tour’s other top guns, including Angelo Que and Artemio
Murakami are doubtful starters due to previous commitments abroad. But the field
remains as tough as ever, ensuring another closely-fought battle for the top
P200,000 purse in the 11th leg of the PGT, sponsored by International Container
Terminal Services, Inc.
“It will be tough (to defend my title) since the field remains strong but I’ll
give it my best shot,” said Aunzo. “It’s been a while since I last won.”
Also on tap is the pro-am tournament on Oct. 5 with the leading pros teaming up
with the invited amateur guests from the event’s chief backers backed by MJ Carr
Golf Management, Jaguar, Land Rover, Studio 23, Balls TV, Srixon/Cleveland Golf,
Callaway Golf, Odyssey and Golf Punk and media partners Business
Mirror, Inquirer Golf Monthly, A Round of Golf, Pinoygolfer.com and Omnisource.
Tipped to crowd Aunzo for the crown are ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat winner Elmer
Salvador, ICTSI-Orchard champion Benjie Magada, ICTSI-Forest Hills ruler Mars
Pucay, Asian Tour campaigner Tony Lascuna, Jun Bernis, Michael Bibat, Rey
Pagunsan and rookie pros Antonio Asistio II and Rufino Bayron.
From Northwoods, the tour goes to Valley Golf Club in Antipolo for the ICTSI
Valley Golf Challenge on Nov. 10-12 before the circuit winds up at Canlubang on
Dec. 8-10 for the Tour Championship.(pr)