Guido van der Valk is gearing up to capitalize on his strong performance in the first two legs of the Philippine Golf Tour in Davao as he readies himself to compete against the country's top professionals, emerging talents, and a cadre of international players in the upcoming ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship scheduled for April 9-12 in Cavinti, Laguna.
The Dutch golfer is eager to vie for the title after displaying impressive consistency at the start of the season. Securing runner-up finishes at both the Apo Golf Classic and the Rancho Palos Verdes Championship has positioned him as one of the prominent contenders in the forthcoming P2.5 million tournament at Cavinti Springs Golf Club.
Guido starts strong in 2024
Despite a relatively modest performance in last year's edition of the ICTSI-sponsored event, where he finished tied for 12th, van der Valk has left a significant mark in 2024 by clinching victory in the PGT's prestigious flagship tournament, The Country Club Invitational, for the second consecutive year.
Although falling short in Apo, relinquishing the crown to Jhonnel Ababa in a playoff, and trailing Lloyd Go by four strokes at Palos Verdes, van der Valk remains optimistic about his prospects against a formidable field, which includes defending champion Tony Lascuña, on the challenging Arnold Palmer-designed course.
The competition is heightened with the participation of top players such as Ababa, Angelo Que, Clyde Mondilla, Reymon Jaraula, Michael Bibat, Keanu Jahns, Jay Bayron, Nilo Salahog, Rupert Zaragosa, Ira Alido, Randy Garalde, and former champion Zanieboy Gialon, all geared up for the grueling 72-hole battle on the undulating 6,788-yard layout situated 1,200 feet above sea level.
The anticipated extreme heat during the tournament will serve as a crucial test of endurance and hydration for the players, introducing an additional layer of challenge to their pursuit of victory.
Young talents abound
Moreover, the tournament showcases the title aspirations of promising young talents such as Sean Ramos, who secured a tied seventh finish at Palos Verdes, Aidric Chan, Kristoffer Arevalo, Josh Jorge, Lanz Uy, Ivan Monsalve, Jonas Magcalayo, and Ryan Monsalve, who claimed fifth place at Apo, all eager to assert their supremacy against seasoned competitors.
Infusing an international flavor into the third leg of this year's circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf are Collin Wheeler, Drew Proctor, Min Hyeok Yu, Kang Chonkoo, Tae Won Kim, Daiya Suzui, and Hyun Ho Rho.
Other notable contenders in the event, which will run concurrently with the 54-hole Ladies PGT, include Jobim Carlos, Fidel Concepcion, Marvin Dumandan, Mars Pucay, Elmer Salvador, Ferdie Aunzo, Art Arbole, and Gerald Rosales.
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