Cream of Philippine golf crop collide as TCC Invitational begins

STA. ROSA, Laguna – The set is stage for a compelling clash of will and character as The Country Club Invitational reels off Tuesday, where former champions, emerging stars and the Top 30 players from last year’s Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit battle in a survival of the fittest at the TCC course here.

The P6-million event marks the kickoff of the premier circuit, promising four days of intense competition and a customary wild finish that has elevated this tournament to the status of a golfing major, renowned for its prize fund, top-tier participants and prestige.

But the elite field faces a daunting week at TCC, characterized by soft bunkers, sleek surface and relentless winds that are expected to test the golfers on every hole throughout the tournament.

The wind factor was palpable during Monday's traditional pro-am tournament with 2004 titlist Tony Lascuña also highlighting the difficulty posed by the course’s length. The challenges extend to reaching par-4s even with a rescue club, emphasizing the necessity for a solid short game to contend in these demanding conditions.

“It will take a lot of effort (to win again). While I may be giving away some yards off the mound, I expect to compensate for this with my 3-wood or rescue,” said Lascuna, who tied for third with Korean-American Micah Shin last year.

Guido van der Valk romped away with a five-stroke victory over Lloyd Go, achieving a rare back-to-back feat in the blue-ribbon event offering P2 million to the winner. Mulling over the upcoming challenge, van der Valk said: “I will need to play great golf. As it is a tough course, it will take every skill as a golfer to get it around, technical and mental.”

Like Lascuna, the Dutchman said that being “super long” isn’t that necessary but stressed the importance of hitting it well and being sharp in every aspect of the game.

“As long as I hit it good, I’m long enough to play the course. Also, all of your game needs to be sharp to play the course,” said van der Valk, who nipped Clyde Mondilla by one in 2020 before the event was put on hold due to pandemic.

The multi-titled Mondilla and reigning OOM winner Jhonnel Ababa emphasized the importance of a strong