FROM a test of patience and resolve at the tight Wack Wack East, the men of the Philippine Golf Tour shift their battle to a wider, rolling layout down south when the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship kicks off on Sept. 11, 2019 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City.

The P2.5 million event actually marks the resumption of the local circuit after a month-long break that saw Juvic Pagunsan cap a record four-leg sweep via an eight-shot romp at Riviera and after American Tarik Can scrambled to win with a four-over card at Wack Wack in Aboitiz Invitational of PGT Asia last weekend. Kim Joo Hyung nipped Jobim Carlos by one to rule the Pueblo de Oro event last year, becoming the youngest winner in the circuit at 16.

The victory likewise spurred the Korean to go international, scoring two victories in Malaysia and Indonesia just recently. But even without Pagunsan and Kim, the cast this week remains formidable with the likes of Jhonnel Ababa, Ferdie Aunzo, Jerson Balasabas, Michael Bibat, Marvin Dumandan, Anthony Fernando, Keanu Jahns, Reymon Jaraula, Tony Lascuña, Mars Pucay, Elmer Salvador, Gerald Rosales and Rupert Zaragosa. (PR)