Konica Minolta Pro-Am offers P1.7-M total pot

Organizers of the Konica Minolta National Pro-Am Golf Tournament were forced to breach the 110 limit of teams allowed to participate due to popular clamor — probably because of a whopping total pot of P1.7 million. In a press statement released on Thursday, retired Navy commodore Danny Pizaro, organizing committee chairman, said: "Due to the numerous requests from our players to be allowed entry into the Konica Minolta event, we will go beyond 110 teams this year." Last year, the number of team entries was 108, the highest since U-Bix Corp. chief Bert Bravo revived the event in 2001 in cooperation with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP). The Konica Minolta Pro-Am runs from February 7 to 10 at the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite. Gerard Cantada and JR Tanpinco are gunning for an unprecedented fourth straight crown in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Celebrity Pro-Am on Feb. 6 will put up the Toyota Altis as a hole-in-one prize, courtesy of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. through its first vice president for marketing, Danny Isla. Isla himself will hit the ceremonial tee off along with NGAP President Larry Mendoza, Riviera president Celso G. Castro, Bravo, NGAP chairman Rod Feliciano, and former President Fidel V. Ramos. Aside from the Altis, Toyota has also staked the new Avanza as the hole-in-one prize in the tournament proper. This is the sixth straight year that Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. is putting up two vehicles, making the Konica Minolta Pro-Am the only event consistently staking two cars annually as hole-in-one prizes. The Riviera's Langer has been partially closed to players since two weeks ago to keep it in top shape, according to Joe Dagdagan, Riviera's grounds superintendent for more than a decade now. Those who wish to beat the deadline for registration may call 525-6987 and 524-5160 (NGAP) and (046) 414-2868 (The Riviera) for more details. - GMANews.TV