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IF NOT FOR
a missed putt on the second
play-off hole during the Barclays Singapore
Open late last year, Juvic Pagunsan could
have taken home US$1 million in prize
money. Despite settling for second place after
a suspense-filled sudden-death match with
Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, the
33-year-old Bacolod City native and former
caddy rose to the top of Asia’s Order of Merit —
a region-wide ranking system for professional
golfers in the region.
Smile
catches up with the
newly minted Asian champ.
When did you start playing
golf, and who inspired you to
pick up the sport?
I started late, at 15. I gave up everything, like
my schooling, and just started playing golf.
Actually, my bloodline is all golfers — my
father, my brother, my uncle.
As a tour pro, you travel
a lot. What do you do to
overcome homesickness
and boredom?
My caddy, Dino Jimenez, travels with me
and is a very good friend. We get along well
— he makes me laugh. I also watch TV and
work out in the gym.
How did you prepare for
the run-up to the Barclays
Singapore Open?
I went on a diet and worked out very hard. I
also played basketball with Dino and other
friends. I don’t have a trainer now — I’m just
following the same workout I used to do.
So could this be a
springboard to greater
things for you?
Hopefully. I work hard during every
tournament. I prepare for every tournament.
Who knows, maybe I can play the big
events (now).
You are now on top of the
Asian Order of Merit. Did
you ever think this would
happen?
It still surprises me that I’m number one in
Asia now. I almost lost my playing card
this year. I wanted to get the [title] Order of
Merit. I really wanted to get that. It is a big
achievement in my life.
What is your dream as a
professional golfer?
I would like to play and win on the US
PGA Tour.
Of all the golf courses you
,
ve
played in, what
,
s your
favorite?
The Bacolod Country Club. Because of its
tight fairways, there is little room for error
especially with the driving. This is also where
I spent my days as a caddy and honed my
golf skills.
Who is your golfing idol?
Filipino pro golfer Frankie Miñoza.
What are the secrets to
becoming a successful
golfer?
Just work hard, train hard and pray.
Q&A:
Juvic
Pagunsan
Marie Monozca talks to the Filipino
pro golfer who almost clinched the
prestigious Barclays Singapore Open title,
and rose to become Asia’s number one
This former
caddy is now
roaring on the
green as a pro!
09LKH Smile
Ser 4
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