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Rosales hopes to go one better this year in Manila

Filipino Gerald Rosales hopes advice from his famous sibling Jennifer, an LPGA Tour star, will help re-launch his flagging fortunes that once offered so much promise.

The 29-year-old Rosales, once a hot commodity after a stellar amateur career, competes in this week's Macau Open but it is his home event, the Philippine Open next week that he is aiming to reproduce his best form.

As the Philippine Open will return to his home course at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, Rosales is determined to shine in the Championship which he won in 2000 and finished runner-up last year, his only top-10 of 2005.

Rosales was one of the region's brightest amateurs before turning professional in 1999 and his initial steps on the Asian Tour were confident strides towards fame. But poor form on the greens in recent times saw his stocks crash dramatically and he lost his full playing rights in the last few seasons.

The Filipino finished tied 28th at last week's inaugural Aamby Valley Asian Masters in India but admitted that it was frustrating not being able to play every week. "I haven't played much golf this year," said Rosales.

"I've been working hard on my game, just practising. It has been frustrating when you can't play in tournaments. I'm hitting the ball good, so hopefully over these next few weeks it'll be good."

His sister, Jennifer has provide morale support which Rosales appreciates. "It's hard staying at home. I've just got to fight it and work harder and be more focussed. Jennifer and I help each other a lot. In recent times, she keeps telling me to keep working hard and that it'll pay off eventually," he said.

Part of Rosales' woes is down to poor putting. The old adage, drive for show and putt for dough aptly describes the young Filipino who is a wonderful striker of the ball. But over the last two years, he has been ranked a lowly 125th and 67th on the putting average, taking 1.91 and 1.82 putts per green in regulation.

"I'm trying to be more consistent and have been working on my putting. The last few years, my putting has let me down. I've like changed five to six putters over the past year or so. My long game is always there. I've got a new putter now and hopefully this one will be the last one. I like it."

Rosales knows fully well that his best chance to launch his comeback is at Wack Wack, his home course for the past two years.

"I just have to play well over the next month and get up the ranking. Winning one of these wouldn't hurt," said Rosales.

"I've been playing at Wack Wack for the past two years. The Championship course is a really tough challenge. The Open has been held there for ages and it's good for it to come home as you'll get the crowds there.

"It's my home Open and you always want to play well," said Rosales.

He is amongst the many top Filipinos who will battle for the title in Manila. Other talents who will spearhead the local challenge include Angelo Que, winner of the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam in 2004, former Philippine amateur number one Jerome Delariarte and Juvic Pagunsan, the latest of talent to emerge from the Philippines.

May 16, 2006