CEBUANO golf ace Charles Hong sets out for his third professional title as he tees off against some tough competition in the inaugural Central Azucarera de Tarlac Open at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac tomorrow.
Hong will be in familiar surroundings as he makes the trip back to the course where he won the ICTSI Luisita Championship in May.
But the road to another crown will be lined with challenges as Miguel Tabuena guns for a follow-up to his come-from-behind victory at Wack Wack while Tony Lascuña seeks payback in another spirited battle.
Tabuena rallied from four strokes down in the final round to beat a faltering Lascuña, snatch the ICTSI Open crown last Saturday and surge past the reigning three-time Order of Merit winner in the money race heading to the final two legs of the 15-stage ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour.
The 72-hole championship stakes a total prize fund of P2.5 million, including the top P450,000 purse.
Also competing are Jay Bayron, Rufino Bayron, Cassius Casas, Zanieboy Gialon, Mars Pucay, Elmer Salvador, Marvin Dumandan, Orlan Sumcad, Ferdie Aunzo, Joenard Rates, Gerald Rosales, Clyde Mondilla, Arnold Villacencio along with the comebacking Frankie Miñoza, who ruled the 1989 President’s Cup at Luisita.