Pinoy Golfer Blog

Philippine golf got a shot in the arm when Enrique Razon decided to establish the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT). In this it’s first full year of operations, it is just what is needed to spur further growth in the game. A new crop of professionals have established themselves even as a new breed of amateurs herald the coming of the next generation. Here’s a brief rundown on this year’s stars on Tour.

Jay Bayron

If the Philippine Golf Tour can claim just one success, it is Jay Bayron’s coming of age. One of the top amateurs of his time, on Tour Bayron has blossomed into one of the best. His consistent top tens which include wins at Canlubang and Cebu earned him the Philippine Golf Tour’s highest honor, the Order of Merit beating out his contemporary, Juvic Pagunsan and the mercurial Artemio Murakami.

Juvic Pagunsan

Perhaps our most talented professional, he remains a bit of an enigma. On his best day, he is nearly unbeatable. He remains prone to emotional outbursts that undoubtedly set his game back but if he can get a handle on that, there’s no limit to his potential. Juvic won twice on tour this year.

Angelo Que

Angelo Que is one of the true stars of Philippine Golf today and with Juvic Pagunsan, is the most successful of the class of 2010. He’s struggled on and off with a balky putter this year, but he’s rededicated himself to the game and is working harder than ever on all aspects of his game. He’s one to watch.

Marvin Dumandan

“Marvelous” Marvin Dumandan had a heck of a year on Tour. An explosive player and another 2-time winner, Marvin was let down by poor performances in the middle of the year while playing injured. His run at the Order of Merit championship fell short when he failed to win the season ending ICTSI Canlubang Golf Invitational. His strong showings in the last events bode well for next year.

Artemio Murakami

“Kamikazi” Murakami, like Dumandan is one of the truly explosive players on Tour. A streaky golfer, Murakami can go really, really low when his game’s on song. His problem has been stringing good rounds together. He regained his card on the Asian Tour in Q-school this year but has not distinguished himself outside of the country since his maiden victory. He returned to form late in the year and won the Philippine Open at Valley Golf and Country Club in December. An intense player on the golf course, he should continue to improve in the coming years.

Elmer Salvador

Last year’s Order of Merit winner and Philippine Open champion, Elmer struggled to match his magical performance of the year past. It is his misfortune that this year will be remembered for his disqualification at Del Monte while on victory’s doorstep, but his talent is undeniable. Look for him to make a return to form in 2011.

Benjie Magada

Benjie Magada can play this game. Of that there’s never been any doubt, he’s not the longest hitter or the best putter, but he’s always near the top of the leaderboard by the end of the tournament. He won this year at The Orchard in a playoff against another veteran, Tony “Onyot” Lascuña. Look for Benjie to continue to do well in 2011.

The Power of Youth
2010 will stand out in my mind as the year that new talent surged to the forefront as forces to be reckoned with. Rory McIlroy, Ryo Ishikawa, Ricky Fowler, Mateo Manasero and Noh Sung Yeoul all established themselves as international golf stars. On the PGT, it was no different. Carl Santos Ocampo, Miguel Tabuena and Clyde Mondilla are the next wave; the next stars of Philippine golf. Marcel Puyat belongs in this company as well but he’s honing his game amidst Stanford’s hollowed halls, once the stomping grounds of one Tiger Woods and has not played on the Philippine Golf Tour to date.

Miguel Tabuena

Perhaps the most celebrated of the next wave; Miguel was a golf celebrity even as a junior. It’s good to see that he’s living up to that enormous potential. Miguel won a silver medal at the Asian Games, was low amateur at the PGT stop at Forest Hills and at the recently concluded Philippine Open.

Clyde Mondilla

Clyde Mondilla came out of nowhere to win the Philippine Amateur earlier this year; an unprecedented feat for the 18-year old. Possessed of enormous length off the tee, Mondilla is as close to a sure thing as any of the amateurs are going to get. He just needs to keep his head on straight, continue to grow as a golfer and not tamper with that beautiful golf swing.

Carl Santos Ocampo

Although, a bit older than Tabuena and Mondilla, Carl Santos Ocampo has game; enough game to have won the coveted low amateur title at Mimosa and Canlubang, the last two events of the Philippine Golf Tour. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame in Finance, Carl has a solid, all-around game that is still improving. Look for even stronger performances from him in 2011. With a couple of top 5’s under his belt, a win is not a stretch for young Santos Ocampo.