THE BOYS ARE READY: Phl upbeat over Putra Cup defense

HONG KONG — The Philippines puts its Southeast Asian amateur golf supremacy on the line as it launches its bid to keep the coveted Putra Cup firmly in Filipino hands in the Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championships.

The defending champions face a demanding test on Fanling Golf Club’s New Course, where lush, tree-lined fairways, undulating terrain and strategically placed hazards will test the young national team’s shot-making, precision and composure.

Three members of last year’s triumphant squad — Rolando Bregente, Shinichi Suzuki and Chris Remata — return to spearhead the title defense, joined by newcomer Bobe Salahog.

National coach Ramon Brobio said the team is brimming with confidence and determined to bring the coveted trophy home again following its commanding triumph at Luisita Golf and Country Club.

“I feel good about the Putra Cup team. I think we have a very good chance of actually bringing home the trophy this time,” Brobio said.

But the Philippines is not putting all its hopes on the men.

Brobio believes the country could also spring surprises in the Lion City Cup and Kartini Cup, giving the Philippines multiple opportunities to make its mark in the regional championship.

“I also feel good about our Lions team, with the composition of Emil Hernandez, Apollo Batican and Vito Sarines,” he added. “Vito is somewhat the younger one in terms of experience in this team.”

Brobio also has high expectations from the Kartini Cup trio of Lisa Sarines, Precious Zaragosa and Nicole Gan.

“I feel good about the Kartini setup. I mean, we need this one stronger because we have a really good chance of winning this one,” he said.

In the Santi Cup, Brobio said the Philippine girls need to produce solid rounds to remain in contention for a podium finish. The team is composed of Mona Sarines, Tashi Balangauan and Brittany Tamayo.

With Fanling offering generous fairways, Brobio said the key will be converting good drives into scoring opportunities, putting particular emphasis on approach shots and putting.

“For the long hitters, there's going to be a lot of birdies out there. So, we will see,” Brobio said.

But while the course may yield plenty of birdies, Brobio is urging his players not to force the issue early.

“I've been telling my players that you can't win the tournament on the first day,” he said.

“So, the strategy is to actually be a little bit more conservative on the first day, and we'll see what the field is going to do. Then, we'll make our adjustments after that.”

Brobio is being assisted by coach Keena Puzon, who is tasked with handling the women's squad.

The Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championships, the region’s premier amateur team golf event, brings together more than 100 elite golfers from 10 countries in four competitions — the Putra Cup for men, Santi Cup for women, Lion City Cup for Under-16 boys and Kartini Cup for Under-16 girls.

With the Philippines defending one title and eyeing strong finishes in the other three competitions, the mission in Fanling is bigger than simply protecting last year's crown.

The goal is to make the Philippines a force across the board — and bring home as much regional silverware as possible.