PGT, LPGT Set for Fierce Battles as New Season Begins

Top golfers, rising stars gear up for 2025 tour

The Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) and Ladies PGT (LPGT) are set to launch another thrilling season filled with unpredictability and intense rivalries as the 10-leg circuit kicks off at Pradera Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga, on Monday, Feb. 24.

Despite veteran dominance, last season’s 72-hole tournaments saw no single player secure multiple titles, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the tour. Young talents and Q-School graduates are eager to shake up the hierarchy.

Tony Lascuña, a five-time Order of Merit champion, remains a formidable force, but with a new wave of challengers, no player can take victory for granted. Among the seasoned pros looking to maintain their standing are last year’s leg winners Angelo Que, Jhonnel Ababa, Lloyd Go, Zanieboy Gialon, Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Sean Ramos, Reymon Jaraula, and Keanu Jahns.

The field has grown even deeper with players like Guido van der Valk, Aidric Chan, Dino Villanueva, Michael Bibat, Russell Bautista, Fidel Concepcion, and Ira Alido honing their skills in the off-season.

Adding to the competition, a strong contingent of international players, led by Korean Min Wook Gwon—who recently bested van der Valk in The Country Club Invitational—could break through and claim titles in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Focus will also be on the latest Q-School graduates, led by low medalist Jeff Jung, along with promising talents such as Carl Corpus, Yuto Hayashi, Atsushi Ueda, Christopher delos Santos, Paul Echavez, Tae Won Kim, Toru Nakajima, James Ryan Lam, Dan Cruz, Ivan Monsalve, Jorge Jorge, and rookie pro Jhondie Quibol.

While skill, composure, and experience are key to success, golf remains a game where luck and timely breaks can turn the tide in a tightly contested battle. The Pradera Verde course, known for its challenging layout, will be the perfect proving ground for those looking to make an early-season statement.

The unpredictability extends to the LPGT, where last season saw Harmie Constantino dominate early rounds before struggling later in the year. She regained her form to win the weather-shortened final leg at Negros Occidental. But with Sarah Ababa, Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Florence Bisera, and rising Korean star Tiffany Lee in the mix, the race for LPGT supremacy remains wide open.

The LPGT, which runs alongside the PGT for the first three days of competition, will also see challengers like Princess Superal, Mafy Singson, Mikha Fortuna, Kayla Nocum, Marvi Monsalve, Pamela Mariano, and Gretchen Villacencio looking to make their mark.

Meanwhile, a select group of professionals from both the PGT and LPGT will take on the Pradera Verde course in the traditional pro-am tournament on Sunday, teaming up with amateur players and event sponsor ICTSI’s guests.

Following Pradera Verde, the circuit moves to Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Cavite (March 10-13), then to Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Laguna (March 25-28). The tour then heads to Antipolo for stops at Forest Hills (June 3-6) and Valley Golf Club (June 22-25) before reaching Mindanao and the Visayas.

As in previous years, the season will culminate in the Match Play Championship at The Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna (Nov. 25-28), where the top performers of the 10-leg season will battle for ultimate supremacy.

With a competitive field, unpredictable outcomes, and a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, the 2025 PGT and LPGT season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet.