LIPA CITY — With three key additions into the fold, expectations are high for Katy’s Farm to repeat as top winner in the 2nd Barako Golf Cup that will tee off today at the Summit Point and Mount Malarayat courses here.

Save for last year’s holdover Erik Escalona, amateur standout Patrick Tambalque, Jikjik Abdon and Henry Bolano have been added, making Katy’s Farm favored to regain the title of the tournament’s premier championship organized as part of the city’s fiesta celebration.

Aside from Katy’s Farm, other squads have also shown willingness to vie for the crown.

Newcomer Time Cargo, a titlist in the Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio City last month, is tipped to be a strong force to be reckoned with as it parades the young quartet of Jeff Lumbo, Edison Tabalin and Rolando Bregente as well as veteran Gary Sales.

Fiesta Mall Barakos looms as another contender after it assembled players with vast experience in Damas Wong, Raul Montealto, Abe Avena and Abe Rosal.

Wong, also the tournament chairman, said the battle will not be easy as there are some competitive teams from as far as the United States and Australia.

“It will be fun and exciting to watch these teams battle it out. In fact, I see the same scenario in the other divisions, too,” Wong said.

Meanwhile, Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa led the traditional ceremonial tee off on Tuesday together with Wong, Barako Cup co-founder Montealto, overall fiesta chairperson Gwen Wong, Summit Point GM Vic de Guzman and Mt. Malarayat GM Romeo Garcia.