Buoyed by a strong joint runner-up finish in Japan, Lloyd Go is gearing up for a shot at his second Philippine Golf Tour victory as he joins a competitive field in the ICTSI Villamor Philippine Masters starting Tuesday (May 21) at the Villamor Golf Club in Pasay.
Go, who secured his first PGT win at Palos Verdes last March with a commanding four-stroke victory, has made impressive strides on the international stage since then.
His notable performance in the ABEMA Tour’s I Golf Shaper Challenge in Fukuoka last April, where he tied for second place, and a tied-for-32nd effort in the Japan Golf Tour’s For The Players By The Players tournament last week, highlight his peak form and readiness to compete.
The P2 million Philippine Masters marks the fourth leg of this year’s 10-stage circuit, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Go’s recent achievements make him one of the top contenders in the 72-hole championship.
Jhonnel Ababa, the reigning PGT Order of Merit champion, also enters the event with confidence after a dramatic victory over Guido van der Valk and Joenard Rates last year. Ababa’s triumph in the opening leg of this year’s Tour in Apo, Davao, sets him up as a formidable opponent.
Clyde Mondilla, who emerged victorious in the Tour's third stop at Caliraya Springs last April, is also in excellent form following a recent stint in Japan. Tony Lascuña, winner of the 2022 ICTSI Villamor Match Play Championship, likewise aims for a second win this season after capturing the TCC Invitational crown last January.
The field is further strengthened by seasoned campaigners and rising stars such as Reymon Jaraula, Rupert Zaragosa, Zanieboy Gialon, Keanu Jahns, Hyun Ho Rho, Elee Bisera, Jerson Balasabas, Aidric Chan, Kuresh Samanodi, Kristoffer Arevalo, Josh Jorge, Marvin Dumandan, Sean Ramos, Ryan Monsalve, and van der Valk.
International competitors Ozeki Kakeru, Gwon Minwook, Toru Nakajima, Daiya Suzuki, Kang Chonkoo, Kim Tae Won, Koji Inoue, Ueda Daiki, and Collin Wheeler add to the tournament’s excitement, promising a fierce battle for top honors.
Villamor challenges tour pros
The Villamor Golf Club’s flat but challenging layout, known for its tight fairways, will test the 70-player field’s accuracy and consistency. Success on this course demands precise approach shots to create birdie opportunities on the unpredictable greens.
Meanwhile, a select group of professionals will participate in the traditional pro-am tournament Monday, pairing with amateur players and guests from the sponsoring ICTSI and other key supporters, providing an opportunity to re-familiarize themselves with the course’s unique challenges.
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