Walkout costs Pagunsan Philippine Golf Tour spot

Juvic Pagunsan will no longer be back for the remainder of the 2011 Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) legs after he was suspended for breach of guidelines on professional conduct. The suspension stemmed from his recent walkout in the Aboitiz Invitational in Cebu City as he refused to follow Cebu Country's Club house rules. Prior to that, he was spared sanction in the Forest Hills Invitational in Antipolo City last year when he deserted the tournament after the second round without formally informing ICTSI, which organizes the event. PGT general manager Colo Ventosa said that the organizer will maintain a strict 'no tolerance' policy on any behaviour unbecoming of a professional. "It is PGT's desire to hold tournaments in a highly professional manner. Competitors participating in these events shall conduct themselves in the highest standards of courtesy and sportsmanship, which must honour at all times on or off the golf course," she said. In a formal letter to Pagunsan, Ventosa stated: "We have been deeply concerned about your actions and behaviour in various occasions, most recent of which was during the practice round of the Aboitiz Invitational last August 29, where you wilfully refused to abide by the club's house rules and walked out of the premises. Despite our guidance as your manager and promoter, and repeated stern verbal warnings on your acts in the past, our advice and instructions have fallen on deaf ears." Provisions of the clause covers professional conduct, including failure to comply with appropriate Etiquette, Misbehaviour, Injurious Conduct and other similar acts and omissions. Ventosa also said that a thorough investigation on Pagunsan's case progressed before ICTSI, the golfer's corporate sponsors, agreed to mete out the suspension. "As a Professional Golfer sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), you are expected to always conduct yourself in a professional manner as you are representing the ICTSI brand," Ventosa said. Pagunsan's international competition, particularly the Asian Tour, Asian Development Tour, and ASEAN Golf Tour, will not be affected. He'll still represent ICTSI but he was reminded to conduct himself in high esteem at all times. With Pagunsan out of the Order of Merit (OOM) race, Jay Bayron is expected to grab the top spot. He is ranked second after ruling the Aboitiz Invitational. The next tournaments are as follows: Riviera Classic (September 14), Sherwood Hills Classic (September 28), Villamor Classic (October 19), Calatagan Challenge (October 26), Canlubang Invitational (November 9) and Wack Wack Championship (November 23). — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News