Philippines’ Team Undaunted by Formidable Test

Beijing, China: An in-form team from the Philippines are setting their sights on springing a Nomura Cup surprise in the Chinese capital this week.

Ahead of tomorrow’s first round in the 31st edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship at Beijing’s Bayhood No. 9 Golf Club, Shinichi Suzuki, Jet Hernandez and Rolando Bregente are in confident mood.

And with good reason, following recent triumphs for Suzuki and US-based Hernandez in the national match play and stroke play championships respectively. Bregente placed runner-up in both events.

Following today’s official practice round the trio struck a positive note in an interview with SPIN.ph as they aim to win the team title for the first time for the Philippines since the tournament's inception in 1963.

Bregente, the top-rated player from the Philippines’ team in 378th position in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) who will lead off the Philippines’ challenge, teeing-off from the first tee in the first flight of the day at 7 am, said: “We have a pretty good chance because the course is tough and I have good team-mates. But it’s us against the course and it’s a formidable challenge. But we like our chances.”

Suzuki, 501st in the standings, added: “The course is pretty challenging, but it will be a fun one. I like our chances this week because anyone (on the team) can play well on this course. We just have to give it our best.”

Hernandez, 1,549th in the WAGR, who will return to the US later in the week, said: “I think if we commit to our targets and (be able to) fire at the right spots, we'll be fine. The greens are a little tricky. But we will get used to it as the week goes on.”