By Walyon Galvez
Filipino golfers hope to pull off surprises in various divisions as they launch their title campaigns in the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Finals starting on Thursday in Johor, Malaysia.
Fifteen Filipino players, led by team captain Oliver Gan, left for Johor yesterday in time for today’s first practice round – all ready and confident of their chances.
Gan will compete in the Division 1 after topping the national finals last month.
“We’re all excited and we’re ready to represent the Philippines in the WAGC. We prepared hard for this event,” said the 35-year-old Gan. “All of us are hoping to bring the championship in our respective divisions,” added Gan.
Aside from Gan, also competing are Antonio Pascua (Division 2), Joven Papio (Division 3), Eric Si (Division 4) and Danilo Odeste (Division 5).
The tournament formally starts Oct. 25, as the Philippines – for the second straight year – will compete against golfers from 45 other countries.
Tony Payumo won last year in Division 1 WAGC.
This time, the 45-year-old Payumo will see action in the World Amateur Gofers Invitational with Vicky Herrera, Kirby Co, Ariel Vanguardia, Blake Go, Ted Arcenas and Mark Leviste.
“The tournament is the ultimate golfing experience for all kinds of golfers,” said Leviste, a former Batangas vice-governor. “It’s an opportunity for amateur golfers like us to experience that Olympic-type setting that only professional golfers experience.”
Last year in Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines bagged the prestigious Tumba Trophy for sportsmanship, and captured three other awards including that of Payumo’s title in Division 1.
