NGAP pins SEAG gold medal hopes on Carlos-led young men's team

JAKARTA, Indonesia—The National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) is pinning its hopes on a crack, young team composed of Jobim Carlos, Clyde Mondilla, Art Arbole and Rupert Zaragosa to bring home the men's golf gold medal in the 26th Southeast Asian Games. With probably the exception of Carlos, who has played in many international events in the past including the renowned Putra Cup, Mondilla, Arbole and Zaragosa will try to provide scoring support. Among the three, Mondilla and Zaragosa have the most impressive credentials with the former being an ex-national amateur champion and the latter the current Junior World titlist. "Although assembled only weeks before the SEA Games, the NGAP is confident that this team will be fighting it out for the gold medal," said Soon the treasurer of the NGAP, the Philippines national association for golf. Soon Said Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia will be Team PHL's toughest opponents for the gold. Carito Villaroman, the former amateur standout who used to beat some of the best golfers of the world that includes Ernie Els, was tapped by the NGAP to coach the youngsters. He admitted that these guys may be young but full of heart and desire to don the national colors. "I told the boys to give it their 100 percent effort because they are playing for the Philippines. I also said to them not to waste an opportunity like this," Villaroman said. — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News