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| Winners Theodore Pascual and Joseph Tambunting from the Philippines. |
The seventh Jack Nicklaus International Invitational (JNII) concluded with its international final in May, coinciding with the Memorial Tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus. The tournament’s ultimate event was played on the course where the Golden Bear first learned the game, Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. Known as the Tournament of Champions, JNII brings together the winners of each JNII national tournament from select countries around the world. This year, teams from eight countries advanced to play in the 36-hole international finale sponsored by the Nicklaus Companies. The event raised over $650,000 for local charities globally.
Theodore Pascual and Joseph Tambunting from the Philippines won with a 36-hole net total of 135.1. With a slight 1-stroke lead overnight, the Philippines came out fast in the final round with a furious 4-under front nine, and held on against a late push from Japan. The Philippines birdied Hole 17 and had to get up-and-down for par on 18 to seal the win. Japan’s Tadayuki Murai and Yuna Yamashita took second with a net score of 136, followed by early favorites Denmark and South Africa, whose teams challenged at the end but couldn’t overcome their slow starts. This is the second JNII Tournament of Champions victory for the Philippines, which also won in 2007. The Filipino victory ends a four year run by European teams. The Czech Republic won the tournament in 2008 and 2009, followed by two consecutive wins by the Italians.
The JNII is a two-person team competition for recreational players of all skill levels who get to experience competitive golf in a relaxed, social atmosphere that promotes camaraderie and interest in the game. Players who enter national JNII events get to play top courses in tournament-like conditions and a chance to win great prizes, including an expenses-paid VIP trip to play in the Tournament of Champions. This year’s festivities at the Tournament of Champions began with the Champions Dinner at the Jack Nicklaus Museum, where the players were awarded the Golden Bear Champions Blazer for winning their national competition. It was followed with golf at Scioto Country Club, site of the 2016 U.S. Senior Open and previous host to a U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, Ryder Cup, and PGA Championship.
Besides competing and socializing with players from around the world at one of America’s top clubs, the JNII players were pampered with VIP treatment during the entire JNII championship week, including exclusive passes to the Memorial Tournament, the prestigious PGA Tour stop where Jack Nicklaus hosts the world’s best professional players. From a private photo session with Jack to seats on the range with the Golden Bear during his clinic at Muirfield Village Golf Club, the players experienced some of what golf’s superstars who come to play in the Memorial feel.
National tournaments for the 8th Jack Nicklaus International Invitational begin in select countries around the world in late 2013.
The international final Tournament of Champions is scheduled for late May 2014. JNII events are open to recreational golfers of all skill levels. For additional information, visit jniigolf.com and follow the action on facebook.com/jniigolf and Twitter (@jniigolf).
nicklaus.com