CHINA’s Liang Wen-Chong leads four past champions who have returned to seek glory and honor in the 2017 Resorts World Masters Golf at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite.
“I’m really happy to be back for the Resorts World Manila Masters because this event holds many fond memories for me,” said Liang before the start of the competition.
Liang will seek the crown with three other champions – Mardan Mamat (2014), Natipong Srithong (2015) and S.S.P. Chawrasia (2016).
The 39-year-old Liang, who is the highest-ranked golfer from China, is best known for his victory in the first edition.
“That win in 2013 was special as Manila holds a special place in my heart. This event has played an integral role in transforming tourism in the country and has changed the golfing landscape here,” added Liang.
His win came from a play-off triumph over Thailand’s Prom Meesawat at the first play-off hole.
After that, Liang made his victory more significant when he decided to donate half of his total winnings to victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in that same year.
On the other hand, Mardan took a commanding six-shot win in 2014, while Natipong, who just became a pro two years ago, bucked many challenges by winning the 2015 edition
Back then, Mardan earned his fourth Asian Tour success and second in the Philippines. Since then, Mardan has won his fifth Asian Tour title in Bangladesh in 2015.
Filipino legend Frankie Minoza will be among the locals in the roster with 2011 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Juvic Pagunsan, one-time winner Miguel Tabuena and Antonio Lascuna.
RWM executive Jeff Evora, who is the Senior Director for Gaming Marketing said that with their involvement, the tournament remains as the most lucrative Asian Tour even in the Philippines.
“And that’s after having the richest purse of $1 million,” said Evora.
Other sponsors of the Resorts World Manila Masters Presented by Philippine Department of Tourism include Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club (Host venue), Marriott (Hotel Partner) Konami, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Levelwear, IGT Asia Pte Ldt, Empire Automation, VYCON RGD LTD, PLDT Enterprise, Ecco Golf and Dalmore.