AT around this time, basic groundwork should have been in place. Instead, the National Golf Association of the Philippines is set to expedite some things in order to ensure the smooth staging of this year?s 93rd edition of the Philippine Open.

Director and tournament chairman Pablo Soon said that the NGAP is continuously communicating with the Asian Tour group for another long-term partnership. Asian Tour handled the RP Open, Asia?s oldest national championship, from 2006 up to last year.

When the three-year agreement between NGAP and Asian Tour ended, both parties have had about two meetings and numerous correspondences through electronic mail, but the only positive sign is the setting of the tentative tournament dates.

?So far, the Asian Tour said that it may be able to squeeze in the RP Open from May 28 to 31 on its regular schedule. As for the teamup, there is nothing certain as of the moment,? said Soon, who is also a director at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Send in the crowds

Valley Golf Club was the first that signified intention of hosting the country?s most prestigious professional event. NGAP might be considering the Antipolo City-based course because of its proximity to the city and accessibility to hotels and shopping centers.

But as Standard Today reported two weeks ago, Valley may not be able to do so after its talks to get Smart Communications and Hong Kong Shanghai Bank as co-title sponsors bogged down before the holiday season.

The NGAP board may also take into account the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club as an alternative place. But according to Mike Carr, the general manager of the Lipa City-based golf hub, it would be best if the Open is held within the Metro Manila area.

?That would ensure the more people will come to watch. Nothing beats the thought of having thousand of golf fans following the championship flight in the final round,? said Carr, who also manages The Country Club in Canlubang, Laguna.

Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, also a former Open host site, can be a good bet because of its nearby hotel facility at the Manor. General manager Jeric Hechanova, though, stated that there has not been any formal contact from NGAP.

Que goes for no. 2

Of course, Angelo Que is eyeing another successful run and is aiming to join golf great Larry Montes as a back-to-back winner in the Open. He never thought of it but his victory in April last year rejuvenated his Asian Tour career.

?It was a dream run. I felt overjoyed by it. It was also a great feeling to succeed Frankie Mi?oza as the Open champ,? the 30-year-old Que, and new proud father, mentioned after the round. Adrian Flores