Big motivation for Sales entering NTCC at Eagle Ridge

Gary Sales shoots for men’s title No. 4. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The motivation for Gary Sales heading into the National Tournament of Club Champions (NTCC) presented by Lexus this year is far bigger than any he has had in a glorious participation in the event.

It could be a family thing for the ex-pro-turned-successful businessman this year.

“This will be her first time,” Sales told the Inquirer on Tuesday, referring to Marienelle, his wife, who took up the game during the pandemic and is now part of the starting cast of the most exclusive tournament in the land. “She will be there for the experience [this year]. But who knows?”

Gary is the defending men’s champion, and he and Marienelle will try to defy the odds and become the first husband and wife tandem to win the event as both jockey for rankings in their respective divisions in an 18-hole round at the Faldo course of Eagle Ridge.

Rodel Mangulabnan has become the prohibitive seniors division favorite with defending champion Abe Rosal begging off, and Marienelle will have to topple big names in the women’s game, like the seasoned Matet Salivio, if she wants a Cinderella finish.

Gary will be representing the host venue for the second time at the event. His three previous championships, counting two won in back-to-back style, were for Villamor, where he operates one of the best pro shops in the land.

“It’s going to be a very tough week,” Gary added, admitting that he has been more occupied with business and the remodeling of a newly acquired property in Parañaque. “There are a lot of players in the field who can really win this thing.”

Gab Macalaguim, the Tagaytay Highlands champion, Basti Lorenzo of Sta. Elena, Jonar Austria of Lakewood, Orchard’s Chucho Martinez, Manfred Guangko of Manila Southwoods, Justin Tambunting of Alabang and Henry Bolano of Royal Northwoods are among the players to watch in the men’s division.

Southwoods’ Joseph Tambunting is in the Senior division, like Abe Avena, the Mount Malarayat representative and Wack Wack’s Marvin Caparros, who are all expected to crowd Mangulabnan for top honors. INQ