8 NATIONS JOIN PUTRA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Nov. 4, 1998 - Golfers from 8 countries are looking forward to meeting President Joseph Estrada, who has been invited to open the 38th Putra Cup Golf Championship today at Sta. Elena. The Putra Cup, began in 1961, is Southeast Asia's most prestigious amateur golf event.
It will mark the first time that Estrada will grace the opening of an international sports event since his inauguration as the country's 13th president.
''His presence will surely rekindle efforts at maintaining camaraderie among nations through the power of golf,'' said Rep. Eduardo R. Ermita, president of the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines. ''It will be a great honor for our Asean neighbors to see our President in person.''
The Philippines will try to beat defending champion Thailand in the Nov. 5-8 series backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Ericsson, San Miguel Corporation, ICTSI and Mitsubishi Motors.
Gerald Rosales, who finished second in the Putra Cup last year in Papua New Guinea where Thailand beat the Filipinos for team honors, will banner the Philippine campaign together with Gerard Cantada, Rhey Luna, Angelo Que and alternate Cookie La'O, with Bong Lopez as team coach.
Also expected to challenge the Philippines and Thailand are Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Brunei.
The eight countries are using the Putra Cup event to test their skills in preparation for the Asian Games in Bangkok next month.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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