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Vesconte hopes for repeat success at Philippine Open
 Title
holder Adam Le Vesconte of Australia hopes to relive the magical
moments of his golfing career when he tees off in the US$200,000
Philippine Open later this month.
The 35-year-old Australian, who will compete at the Wack Wack Golf
and Country Club from May 25-28, claimed the Philippine Open title
by defeating home favourite Gerald Rosales with a four-day total
of 12-under-par 272.
It was a life changing experience for the Queensland-born Vesconte
as he was about to throw in the towel in his golfing career before
his triumphant run that ended his 10-year title drought.
“The win made me realise that I have not been wasting my time.
After about 10 years, I was getting to the point where I was thinking
maybe it’s time to give it up and go home and do something
else,” said Vesconte ahead of the 90th Philippine Open.
“The win gave me more opportunity to play in more events.
It took me 10 years to get a win and hopefully it will not be the
same for a second title. If you have a win, it makes you realise
that’s why you are out there for and you can compete. The win
kept me going,” he said.
The valiant Aussie knows the task ahead of his defence will be
tough, especially with the presence of compatriot Jason Dawes and
Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit who stayed hot on his heels during
the final day last year.
“The last day I played with Jason who is a good friend of
mine and Boonchu, it was just a good day and I can remember just
about every shot we played," said Vesconte.
Apart from the array of Asian Tour stalwarts, Vesconte will also
have to tackle the Wack Wack course which he has never played on
previously. The last time Wack Wack hosted the Open in 2002, Canadian
veteran Rick Gibson claimed the title.
“I’d love to defend the title at the course I won last
year (Mt Malarayat Golf & Country Club). I know that the greens
are quite firm at Wack Wack and it is going to be a good test of
golf. If I remember correctly, Rick was the last to win there. I
might ask him about his thoughts on the course,” said Vesconte.
“My form since the win has not been good especially this year
as I’ve only made two cuts from nine starts. Hopefully, it'll
turn around in time for my defence."
The Philippine Open also welcomed the International Container Terminal
Services and Pagcor as part of the family of valued sponsors of
the Championship.
ICTSI, one of the world’s most recognised port operators,
has long been a staunch supporter of the Philippine Open. The company's
supremo Ricky Razon said: "My love for golf and pride in the
future of the sport here made it an easy decision to become involved
with the Philippine Open. The Philippines has a proud and wonderful
history and I always enjoy supporting the up-and-coming players
in the sport."
Pagcor is one of the Philippine’s major brands and it will
be showcased to millions of television viewers. Company chairman
Ephrain Genuino said the company was delighted to be involved with
Asia's oldest national Open.
Ubix has also joined forces with the Philippine Open where it will
showcase its world class technology in copy and fax machines.
ESPN StarSports will show a one-hour highlights coverage of the
Philippine Open, which will also be on the Filipino channel in the
United States. The coverage will give sponsors and the Philippine
Open greater international recognition.
More than 30 Filipino stars will join a star-studded field from
the Asian Tour. A total of nine local amateurs will also feature
in the Open.
The Asian Tour recently signed a five-year agreement with the National
Golf Association of the Philippines to stage the Open.
May 12, 2006
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