Golf: Veteran Miñoza out to turn heads at Philippine Open

While the drumbeaters have been making noise for defending champion Berry Henson of the US, Filipino ace Frankie Miñoza might spring a surprise at the ICTSI Philippine Open, which starts Thursday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club's East course.  

Miñoza, going strong at 52, is still in his elements from tees to greens, qualities that have given him two PHL Open titles in 1998 and 2007. He's going for a possible third and a place in history alongside Clestino Tugot, Larry Montes and Ben Arda, all of whom have three wins.

 

The PHL Open is actually close to his heart. That's why he relishes the fact that he's been given the opportunity to play even if he's a senior now.

 

"Winning the Open is much different. It's a big experience when you're playing for your country and everyone is expecting you to win. There's too much pressure, sometimes even very heavy to carry. Those two titles are special to me," said Miñoza, who played with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in Wednesday's pro-am side event.

In order to be victorious again, Miñoza will have to shoot some excellent rounds to keep up with the younger generation of stars.

"Golf has changed a lot. Players are hitting the ball long. They just go out there and play. There's no fear in them. Last week in the Myanmar Open, guys passed me by 20 to 30 yards. If you have the distance, it's much better to survive in the tour," he said.

               

Henson, for his part, is returning to the scene of his maiden Asian Tour win. He's happy to be back to defend his title against Miñoza, last year’s runner up Jay Bayron, and former champs Angelo Que, Artemio Murakami and Elmer Salvador.  

"It's nice to be back in Manila. The par 72 East layout, no matter how tough or demanding it is, will always be in my mind because that's where I got my big break in the Asian Tour. It'll be fun playing here again with some of the best golfers in Asia," said Henson. — Adrian Flores/AMD/JVP, GMA News