Young golfer to play for Philippines in Asian Games
An up-and-coming golfer will see action for the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
National Golf Association of the Philippines official Tommy Manotoc confirmed on Tuesday that Marcel Puyat will replace veteran Jhonnel Ababa in the squad.
Ababa, who has represented the country in past Putra Cup, Nomura Cup and Southeast Asian Games tournaments, opted to turn pro instead of playing in the quadrennial multi-sport meet.
Manotoc said Puyat's inclusion in the squad is part of the NGAP's commitment to produce more world-class players.
"The vision of the NGAP is to go young and develop players who can play longer for the national team," he said.
The 17-year-old Puyat will join former national champion Mhark Fernando, Jessie Balasabas and Miguel Tabuena in the team.
Puyat and Tabuena are coming off a joint 19th-place finish in the second Asian Amateur Golf Championships in Japan over the weekend.
The Philippines has always fared well in the Asian Games golf competition since the sport’s inception in 1982.
Ramon Brobio upset veteran Kim Ki-sup to win the men's individual gold medal at the 1986 Seoul Asiad. He was also part of the squad that won the bronze medal in the team event.
Brobio returned to defend his title four years later in Beijing but had to settle for third place.
The country failed to win any medals at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, but Gerald Rosales bounced back to win a silver four years later in Bangkok. The Philippines also won a silver medal in the team event. Michael Bibat won a bronze medal four years ago
in Doha.
The Guangzhou Asiad golf tournament will be held at the Dragon Lake Golf Club from 17-20 November. The golfers will vie for medals in the men's and women's individual and men's and women's team events.
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