Minoza to star in Philippine Open line up

The 47-year-old Minoza, one of Asia's greatest players with multiple victories in the region and in Japan, claimed a popular home victory in 1998 and came close again in 2002 when he finished fourth.

The evergreen veteran will be amongst a strong local contingent at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club who will be determined to deliver a home triumph which has not been achieved since Felix Casas' success in 2001.

Other top Filipinos who will throw in their challenge for the title include Juvic Pagunsan, last year's Asian Tour Rookie of the Year, Angelo Que and Gerald Rosales, winner of the event in 2000.

“We are delighted that Frankie Minoza has agreed to play in the Philippine Open next month," said Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour.

"As one of Asia’s greatest ever golfers, his contribution towards the game has been immense and I have every confidence that Frankie will enjoy a good showing in front of his home fans."

The super-cool Minoza has won 14 times across the region, including six career titles on the Japan Golf Tour, in an impressive career dating back to the 1980s. He lost his card in Japan in 2004 but regained his confidence with some strong performances on the Asian Tour, thanks to a switch to the broomhandle putter which reaped its rewards.

He quickly regained his playing rights in Japan by finishing second in Qualifying School late in 2005 and has also supported the Asian Tour with a combined 24 appearances over the past two seasons.

Minoza, who has also played in the US Masters previously, showed that he still has what it takes to vie for a major title when he challenged Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand for the Volvo Masters of Asia title in Bangkok last month.

The Filipino great eventually finished second in the Asian Tour's season-finale and ended the year in 28th place on the UBS Order of Merit.

“Frankie proved at the Volvo Masters of Asia that he can still challenge for titles by finishing second there with four great rounds of golf. He is truly a wonderful ambassador for the game and is widely respected by his peers. We wish him all the best in his search for a second Philippine Open crown," said Han.

Australian Scott Strange will defend his title at Wack Wack's fabled East course.

The Philippine Open, which is Asia's eldest national Championship, has heralded great champions like Peter Thomson of Australia, Chinese Taipei's Lu Liang-huan and Hsieh Min-nan, Ben Arda of the Philippines and of course, Minoza in the past.

The Philippine Open is the third leg of this season's Asian Tour Schedule. A minimum of 29 events with an all-time high of US$26 million in total prize money will be offered to Asia's talented players.

January 18, 2007

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