CARMONA, Cavite - Back in the country for the first time in five years, Japanese pro Aguri Iwasaki finds Manila Southwoods' Masters course as beautiful and as tough as he remembers it as he prepares for the $500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open.
"Nothing [has] changed. [It's] still very difficult," Iwasaki said of the Masters layout that will challenge some of the best in the Asian Tour starting on Thursday. "[It's been] five years. [The course] is still beautiful [but] very hard, especially if [it] becomes windy."
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Iwasaki can be considered a true home bet, having represented Southwoods in many team tournaments like the Fil-Am and the Philippine Airlines Interclub together with another Japanese, Yuto Katsuragawa, who is now a mainstay in the DP World Tour.
"Three," Iwasaki said while holding up that many fingers, when asked how many team titles he helped Southwoods win in the PAL Interclub. "After that, [I turned] pro. But [this is very much] my home. [I have] lots of friends here."
The winner of the Japan Open of the lucrative Japan Tour in 2023, Iwasaki also returns as a bonafide star in the region. Yet, he still refuses to put a number on what it would take to win the revival of Asia's oldest national championship.
"Par-70, [it will be] very hard," he said as he played the well-manicured course two strokes less than he is used to for the first time on Monday. "Especially if winds come."
Another Southwoods product in Angelo Que, the 2008 champion, said that local knowledge will definitely come into play starting Thursday, especially if conditions become demanding.
"The good thing going for us is that we (those familiar with the course) know where to miss," he said. "It will take a long time to acquire that, while we have innate knowledge of that. Two practice rounds won't give you that."
National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) president Martin Lorenzo has practically declared the tournament a go, starting with the Pro-Am where more than 100 four-man teams will be playing on Wednesday.
"Good luck to all the players," Lorenzo said. "To our Filipino players, play with passion and make our country proud. May this historic tournament bring out your best. Mabuhay."
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