Korean ace makes Southwoods return

CARMONA, Cavite — Manila Southwoods has, in putting it plainly, taken hosting of the 108th Philippine Open presented by the Philippine Sports Commission rather personally.

From making sure that its Masters layout is in its best possible shape and to taking care of the fans by opening its doors free of charge, the posh layout has endorsed the best possible bets at its disposal and is looking to win it all this week.

Southwoods used its fourth and last slot to field in Jeung Jae-hyun, a former standout of its very successful team program that dominated PAL Interclub and Fil-Am tournaments, making the club very well represented in the $1 million (around P64 million) championship.

"I'm excited that the (Philippine Open) is at that course," Jeung had told the Chosun Daily last Sunday after his win.

"The tournament is at a course which I (played) since childhood."

Jeung, who stayed in the Philippines for 12 years, will be coming off an impressive victory in the Korean PGA's Tour Championship just last Sunday for his first win in his home circuit.

The 21-year-old, who has adopted the nickname Jeff, grew up playing the game at Southwoods with his father being an expat here and club member. He later on represented the club for a good five years in the Interclub and Fil-Am championships before turning pro.

In winning last Sunday after closing out with a flawless eight-under-par 64 at Teddy Valley Golf and Resort, Jeung became the third ex-Southwoods player to win in major tours abroad, with the other two being Tom Kim in the US PGA and Yuto Katsuragawa, who just won a DP World Tour and Japan Tour even three weeks ago.