STA. ROSA, Laguna—Three former champions, including a record-holder and the defending titleholder, lead an elite field of seasoned veterans and rising stars at The Country Club (TCC) Invitational, which begins today (Tuesday, Jan. 28) at the iconic TCC course.
With a prize pot of PHP 6 million, the exclusive tournament gathers the Top 30 players from the 2024 Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit and past champions.
Since its inception in 2003 by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in honor of his father, Don Pocholo Razon, the TCC Invitational has become synonymous with high-stakes drama and thrilling rivalries.
Headlining the field is Tony Lascuña, who edged Miguel Tabuena in a gripping duel to claim last year’s championship. A five-time Order of Merit winner, Lascuña returns determined but cautious about the course’s notorious challenges.
“The TCC course is so unpredictable. It requires a different mindset, approach, and style for every hole. Even a trailing player can emerge victorious in the closing stages,” said Lascuña, who won the TCC title in 2004 and waited 20 years to reclaim it.
Joining Lascuña are Guido van der Valk, a two-time TCC champion (2020 and 2023) eager to bounce back from a winless 2024 season, and Angelo Que, who is eyeing a record-extending fourth TCC title.
Lascuña tees off at 8:40 a.m., grouped with Reymon Jaraula and Clyde Mondilla. Van der Valk starts at 8:20 a.m., paired with Rupert Zaragosa and Jhonnel Ababa. Other notable groupings include Aidric Chan, Russell Bautista, and Hyun Ho Rho at 8:50 a.m., and Lloyd Go, Ira Alido, and Kakeru Ozeki in the final flight at 9 a.m.
The TCC course’s exacting design levels the playing field for all competitors. Its sleek greens, tough hazards, and variable winds demand mental resilience, precise strategy, and calculated risks, ensuring that no lead is ever safe.
Other players to watch include Ryan Monsalve, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Randy Garalde, Jay Bayron, Daiya Suzuki, Collin Wheeler, Dino Villanueva, Albin Engino, Tae Soo Kim, Minwook Gwon, Fidel Concepcion, and Francis Morilla.
“Winning last year reminded me of the importance of patience and persistence, especially on a course as demanding as TCC. This week will test all of us,” Lascuña added.
As the players embark on the 72-hole challenge, the stage is set for another unforgettable showdown, reinforcing the TCC Invitational’s status as one of the most prestigious tournaments in Philippine golf.
