Golf: ICTSI-PGT qualifier starts Tuesday

Artemio Murakami is hoping to end his slump this week as he takes a crack at regaining his card via the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour's Qualifying School starting Tuesday at the Splendido Taal Golf Club in Tagaytay City.

 

Murakami lost his regular status on the local circuit as he only finished 51st in the Order of Merit, outside the magical top-40 that forced the Filipino-Japanese to go through the four-day elimination phase.

 

"It's the time to get back into the groove. There's no way for me to go but up," said Murakami, a former leg champion in the PGT.

 

Also eyeing a card, like Murakami, is Ramon Brobio, the multi-titled amateur champion and many-time titlist in the Junior World whose career as a professional has not yet really taken off the way people expect it to.

 

Last year's Q-School top man Johvanie Abano from Del Monte, will have to earn his card again because he only placed 49th last year.  He will be joined by Keanu Jahns, AR Ramos, Mark Dy, and Brent Sumampong.

 

Guido Van der Valk, the Dutchman based in Alabang, will try his luck as well in the event where the field will be cut to the top 60 at the end of 36 holes.

 

The ICTSI-PGT 2013 season begin its 17-leg schedule with the Sherwood Hills Classic on March 20.  

 

The Mindanao swing will feature the Rancho Palos Verdes Classic on June 26, the Del Monte Championship on July 3 and Pueblo de Oro Championship on July 10. - CLP, GMA News