Team Philippines sweeps Jack Nicklaus International Invitational title - Nicklaus Companies

Team Philippines sweeps Jack Nicklaus International Invitational title

Playing partners John Estrada and Derek Ramsay, far right, of Team Philippines, swept the International Finals of the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational.
The 11th Jack Nicklaus International Invitational (JNII) concluded with its international final on June 1, 2017. The tournament’s ultimate event was played at New Albany Country Club outside of Columbus, Ohio on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
Known as the Tournament of Champions, the international finals of the JNII brings together the winners of JNII national tournaments held over the past 12 months in select countries. This year, teams from four countries advanced to play for their country in the 36-hole international final sponsored by the Nicklaus Companies.
The award-winning duo of actors from the Philippines, John Estrada and Derek Ramsay, won the competition with a net 15-under score. They held off a valiant effort by the Indonesian duo of Edwin Abeng and Pedro Limardo, who played the back nine 6-under par to finish with a net 10-under score. The five-stroke difference doesn’t reflect how close the challenge was for the Filipino movie stars. Ramsay sank two clutch birdie putts from 15-feet on 16 and 17 to hold off the Indonesian charge.
“That was awesome!,” Ramsay said after the win. “We had a comfortable lead making the turn and lost our focus. The great play by the Indonesians made it close. What a great feeling to win, but regardless, this event is the chance of a lifetime. When we won our national championship, we didn’t think we could make it because of our schedules. I’m so glad we made this happen.”
Ramsay became close friends with his playing partner and fellow actor Estrada after filming Trophy Wife in 2014.
“The JNII is a big deal in the Philippines,” said Estrada. “Rustan’s puts on a great tournament, which attracts a great field. I can’t believe we won our national championship. When we won, the first thing we did was ask when the international finals were so we could clear our schedules. I’ve been fortunate to see many of my sporting heroes—Michael Jordan, Roger Federer—and to now to win Jack’s tournament and perhaps meet the man… That’s a dream come true.”
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 expense-paid VIP trip to play for their country in the Tournament of Champions and watch the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, an event played at nearby Muirfield Village Golf Club on the PGA TOUR.
National tournaments for the 12th Jack Nicklaus International Invitational begin in mid-2017. The international final Tournament of Champions is scheduled for late May 2018. JNII events are open to recreational golfers of all skill levels. For additional information, visit jniigolf.com and follow the action on social media (facebook.com/JNIIGolf and Twitter @jniigolf).
The Nicklaus Companies produces and markets luxury lifestyle and consumer products for men and women under the Jack Nicklaus®, Nicklaus® and Golden Bear® brands. It is the global sponsor of the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational. For additional information about the Nicklaus Companies, visit nicklaus.com.

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