A total of 60 teams are set to clash for pride and glory as the 3rd Barako Cup International Golf Tournament got underway at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club and Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City.

Summit Point general manager Vic de Guzman said their fairway is in perfect condition, giving around 240 golfers a perfect venue to launch their title quest in this prestigious event that celebrates the Batangueño resilience while focusing the spotlight on the local coffee industry that has long defined the region’s identity.

Tipped to come up with a strong performance in the premier Championship Division is home team Mount Malarayat after reigning champion Time Cargo Logistics opted not to compete this year.

Also in serious contention are Tagapagbuklod 89, Grumpy Joe PH, Team Pelican, Team Master and International Barakos.

“The participants would truly enjoy playing at Summit Point. We have done some renovations on our course and we are happy to showcase them,” De Guzman said shortly after the ceremonial tee-off led by Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa and Vice Mayor Mikee Morada.

Mount Malarayat, the other host venue of this two-day spectacle that is part of the annual fiesta of the city, has also spruced up two of its nine-hole layouts and now features surprisingly lightning-fast greens.

“Players who practiced the past two days have been telling us about how fast the greens are. Well, that would add challenge for them to score well,” Mount Malarayat general manager Argy Garcia said.

A two-day practice rounds were held on Monday and Tuesday before hostilities formally start on Wednesday and Thursday.