Gwon Snatches Win in Playoff as van der Valk crumbles

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Minwook Gwon clinched The Country Club Invitational title on his first attempt, securing victory with a clutch par in sudden death after Guido van der Valk faltered down the stretch on Friday at the TCC course here.

The 23-year-old Korean, who bogeyed the demanding 18th hole in regulation, carded the day’s best round with a 69. But his fortunes turned when van der Valk, vying for a record-tying feat, struggled with a series of costly errors and limped to a 74, forcing a sudden death after both players finished at three-over 291.

In the playoff, Gwon safely found the center of the green on their return to No. 18 and two-putted for par. Meanwhile, van der Valk’s approach shot caught a flyer and found the water behind the green. After taking a penalty drop on the fringe, he settled for a bogey, allowing Gwon to seal his maiden professional victory.

“I really wanted to win my first pro tournament. I feel great that I did it in the biggest event on the Philippine Golf Tour,” said Gwon, who developed his game as an eight-year-old at Riviera Golf Club in Silang.

The P6 million championship featured an elite 30-player field, including past TCC Invitational winners and top finishers on the Order of Merit. Gwon took home P2 million, while Van der Valk settled for the P1 million runner-up prize.

Reymon Jaraula placed third at 293 after an even-par 72, earning P540,000. LJ Go shot a 76 for a 295 total, finishing fourth with P408,000, while Japan’s Kakeru Ozeki placed fifth at 296 after a 72, taking home P288,000. Aidric Chan (76) and Clyde Mondilla (77) shared sixth at 297.

For Van der Valk, the loss was especially bittersweet as he played while mourning the recent passing of his father, Wouter, just two weeks prior.

“I was hoping to win this for him. Hopefully, I get another chance,” said the Manila-based Dutchman.

He appeared poised for a strong finish, landing his tee shot on the heart of the 17th green, but misjudged his first putt and three-putted. On the decisive 18th hole, his drive found the right fairway bunker, and his second shot landed in the bushes. After taking a penalty drop, he made a double-bogey, ultimately costing him the title.

“I was very nervous in the playoff because I know Guido is a very good player,” said Gwon, reflecting on his remarkable triumph barely a year after earning his spot on the PGT through Q-School. His previous best finish – a fifth place at Caliraya Springs last year – paled in comparison to this breakthrough victory.

Understanding the stakes, Gwon kept his strategy simple. “I thought the one who makes par will win, so I just tried to hit the fairway, land on the green, and make two putts. Everything just went well, so I’m very happy now,” he said.

Adding to the moment, his parents had watched him play all four days.

“Having them here makes this win even more meaningful,” he added.

Yet, for much of the final round, Gwon had all but conceded the title to van der Valk, who stood on the 18th tee with a comfortable lead.

“I was already satisfied with a second or third-place finish,” he recalled. “I thought I had no chance to win.”

But as he waited, his friends alerted him that van der Valk had run into trouble on No. 18. “They told me, ‘Let’s just wait,’” said Gwon.

And then, the unthinkable happened – van der Valk stumbled with a double bogey, throwing the tournament wide open. Instead of celebrating a record-tying victory, the Dutchman watched as fate handed Gwon the opportunity of a lifetime – one that he seized with unwavering composure.

Poised to join Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan as a three-time TCC Invitational champion after his 2020 and 2023 victories, van der Valk saw his title hopes slip away in heartbreaking fashion.