IT'S been dubbed the Thriller in Manila II, but the $1 million Johnnie Walker Classic golf tournament which finishes today has turned out to be a rather dry affair for spectators, organisers and liggers.

Off they charged to the Orchard Golf and Country club expecting fireworks from Greg Norman, Nick Price and company, and plenty of liquid refreshment off it in the adjoining Pasay City bars - only to find the world's Greatest Living Catholic had indirectly thrown a spanner in the works.

For as a result of the Pope's recent visit to the Philippines, local authorities had ordered the closure of Pasay City, a compound of bars including the popular Firehouse and Visions. And it had still not re-opened by the time the golfers teed off.