Heartbreak for van der Valk as Gwon snatches dramatic TCC Invitational victory
STA. ROSA, Laguna – On the verge of a record-tying feat, Guido van der Valk seemed destined to etch his name deeper into The Country Club Invitational’s storied history.
Instead, Minwook Gwon emerged as the unlikely champion on Friday here, seizing victory in a tournament finale that underscored the unpredictable nature of both golf’s finest battles and TCC’s unforgiving test of skill and composure.
Already assured of a career-best runner-up finish, Gwon closed with a 69 in a flight ahead of the championship group, blemished by a bogey on No. 18. At that moment, it appeared he had merely secured a respectable second-place finish in the P6-million championship.
But as van der Valk stood on the final tee with a two-stroke lead and history within reach, the unforgiving nature of The Country Club’s exacting layout took hold.
A wayward approach sent the Manila-based Dutchman into trouble, his ball coming to rest in an unplayable lie beyond the green. Forced to take a penalty drop, he could only manage a double bogey for a 74, stunningly surrendering his lead and setting up an unexpected sudden death, as both players finished with three-over 291 totals.
Returning to TCC’s treacherous closing hole, van der Valk’s unraveling continued. With the title on the line, he misfired his approach into the water, handing Gwon a golden opportunity to close out the championship.
The South Korean remained steady, coming through with a routine par to clinch the crown worth P2 million in dramatic fashion, leaving van der Valk to reflect on a cruel twist of fate that turned a glorious charge into a heartbreaking collapse.
"I was very nervous in the playoff because I know Guido is a very good player," said Gwon, reflecting on his remarkable triumph barely a year after earning his spot on the Philippine Golf Tour through Q-School. His previous best finish — a fifth place at Caliraya Springs last year — paled in comparison to this breakthrough victory.
Understanding the stakes, Gwon kept his strategy simple. "I thought the one who makes par will win, so I just tried to hit the fairway, land on the green, and make two putts. Everything just went well, so I’m very happy now," he said.
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