VIENTIANE – Many-time national player Tommy Manotoc has been to many battles to know what it takes to win and the Southeast Asian Games would provide one of the biggest challenges in his stellar career.

Tasked with ending the country’s four-year gold medal drought in golf, Manotoc is making his debut as national coach, an assignment that did not come without a price.

Manotoc, still competitive at the age of 60, is skipping the Asia-Pacific senior championship in Malaysia that would coincide with the Games.

His choice as taskmaster seems logical.

Two members of the team – Mark Fernando and Jonel Ababa – have been polishing their game under Manotoc for the last two years.

United States-based Jude Eustaquio, a late addition to the team, is a childhood friend of Matthew, Manotoc’s son.

Manotoc brings to the table decades of experience, a winning tradition and the uncanny ability to bring out the best from his players.

As a basketball coach, Manotoc steered the legendary Crispa Redmanizers to their second PBA grand slam in 1983.

Golf and basketball, however, are entirely different worlds.

“In basketball, everyone has a role to play unlike in golf,” said Manotoc, a key member of the multi-titled Canlubang golf squad.

“My job is to prepare our golfers with the proper mindset,” he added. “Whoever adapts quickly to the conditions and handles the pressure well has the best chance to win.”

Manotoc was interviewed in Manila, just days before their scheduled departure.
The Filipinos are still clueless on how to tackle the tree-lined course located in Phokham Village, Xaythany district. A Korean company started work in early January last year and completed it only last month at the cost of $15 million.

“We expect the greens to be erratic. One good thing is that no one can claim to have local knowledge,” he said.

The Nationals, including Eustaquio who will fly direct from Florida, are expected to arrive on Monday and play a few practice rounds before plunging into action on Friday.

Rounding out the men’s team is Antonio Asistio II.

Two years ago, the Philippines won three silver medals. The last time the country won a gold was in 2005 when Juvic Pagunsan topped the individual event and led his team to victory.

Despite the departure of its top players, Thailand remains the team to beat, according to Manotoc.

The Philippines is also expected to contend in the women’s team composed of Dottie Ardina, Chihiro Ikeda, and Mia Piccio.

Bong Lopez, head of the ITCSI program, is the coach of the women’s squad.