PREPPING for his title defense at The Country Club Invitational, Guido van der Valk has dedicated substantial effort to enhance his skills, readying himself for the event starting on January 23 at TCC in Canlubang.
Despite securing victory in the past two editions of the country's premier championship, the Manila-based Dutchman remains cautious about the strong competition, particularly given the impressive five-stroke win over Lloyd Go last year.
Van der Valk clinched his initial TCC Invitational crown in 2020, overcoming Clyde Mondilla with a one-stroke victory. The subsequent years saw a tournament postponement due to the pandemic.
Guido hopes for a good week
As part of the exclusive field comprising former champions and the Top 30 from the previous year's PGT Order of Merit rankings, van der Valk anticipates a challenging battle for top honors, considering the elite cast and the hurdles presented by the TCC course.
“I’m hoping for a good week. It’s going to be a great test of golf as The Country Club always is,” he said.
Ahead of the tournament, a select group of pros will familiarize themselves with the TCC layout in the traditional pro-am tournament on Monday, January 22. They will partner with TCC members and amateur guests sponsored by ICTSI.
Acknowledging the demanding conditions, including the course's length, the defending champion meticulously worked on refining every aspect of his game during the break, collaborating with his coach over the holidays.
“I had my coach over here during the holidays, so had some work done. Hoping it will all fall into place before the tournament,” said van der Valk.
Several competitors, including three-time champion Angelo Que, former titlists Tony Lascuña and Miguel Tabuena, are gearing up for the challenge, anticipating a gripping test of will and character.
Other determined participants include Jhonnel Ababa, Clyde Mondilla, Reymon Jaraula, Ruperto Zaragosa III, Dino Villanueva, Michael Bibat, Marvin Dumandan, Sean Ramos, and Lloyd Go—all eyeing a breakthrough win in the P6 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by PGTI’s official apparel Kampfortis Golf.
Van der Valk remains focused on the competition, emphasizing the honor of winning again but acknowledging the strong field of players attempting to halt his success.
At stake: P2-million top purse
The tournament, offering a top purse of P2 million, attracts a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, ready to showcase their skills in the 72-hole championship launched by ICTSI chairman/CEO Ricky Razon in 2003.
Participants include Keanu Jahns, Zanieboy Gialon, Albin Engino, Nilo Salahog, Jay Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Koreans Hyun Ho Rho and Minseong Kim, Fidel Concepcion, Rico Depilo, Elee Bisera, Art Arbole, Mars Pucay, Gerald Rosales, Gabriel Manotoc, and Ferdie Aunzo.
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