Lascuna flashes vintage form, edges Tabuena to rule TCC Invitational

STA. ROSA, Laguna – In a striking display of enduring skill and resilience, ageless Tony Lascuña has once again proved that, like fine wine, his game only gets better with time.

Two decades after ruling the second edition of the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup, the precursor to The Country Club Invitational, Lascuña emerged on top again, this time outplaying opponents who were in their adolescence when he claimed the crown in 2004.

From a tough setback in the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play to a triumphant three-shot victory over Miguel Tabuena at the TCC Invitational Friday, Lascuña’s life underwent a remarkable transformation in just two months.

Overcoming disappointment of a tough loss in head-to-head duels, he emerged as the megabuck winner in stroke play, claiming the prestigious title and the largest purse offered on the Philippine Golf Tour — a whopping P2 million.

In contrast to his third-round heroics, marked by spectacular shots, the four-time PGT Order of Merit champion secured his latest triumph through consistent play on another turbulent day at the TCC here. His closing three-over card featured no jaw-dropping shots that highlighted his surge in moving day — only key birdies on a couple of par-5s and a brave run of pars down the stretch.

The 53-year-old Lascuña assembled a three-over 291 total, turning what had been a thrilling yet error-laden week of golf at one of the country’s toughest courses into a commanding victory that didn’t only erase the lingering emotions from his earlier match play loss but also showcased the longevity of his successful golf career.

“Ibang-iba ang feeling compared noong 2004, madaming magagaling na nandito ngayon. Maiksi din ang course noon pero ngayon, sobrang haba at hirap,” said Lascuña. “Pero nag-focus ako, binigyan ako ng chance ni Lord at naging maganda ang laro ko buong linggo.”

Tabuena fell by as many as four with a bogey on No. 14 but kept his chances as Lascuña fouled up on the next hole. The former, however, missed a makeable birdie chance on No. 17 and three-putted the 18th, ending up with a second straight 77 for a 294 total. He pocketed P1 million.

Reflecting on his mindset during the tournament, Lascuña