ICTSI Caliraya Springs to revive PGT action

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The postponement of the weather-disrupted ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge has only fueled the competitive fire among the country’s top golfers, who are brimming with anticipation to return to the fairways and resume their chase for glory.

After weeks of waiting, recalibrating, and enduring harsh weather conditions across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the men and ladies of the Philippine Golf Tour are ready to shake off the rust and swing back into contention as the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship tees off tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 5, in Cavinti, Laguna.

With their momentum stalled since the Forest Hills stop last June, the pros used the delay productively — refining their swings, sharpening their short games, and strengthening their mental edge ahead of the next battle.

The unexpected lull tested their patience but also heightened their hunger to compete and prove themselves on the demanding Caliraya Springs Golf Club course.

For many, the layoff has created a buildup of competitive energy now set to explode in what promises to be a thrilling showdown in Laguna’s cool highlands.

Rain or shine, these seasoned and rising stars are eager to make their mark and remind fans why they belong among the country’s golfing elite.

Guido van der Valk, who snapped a title drought with a one-stroke win over Keanu Jahns and Angelo Que at Forest Hills, hopes to carry that momentum into the PHP2 million championship.

This tournament now serves as the fourth leg of the Philippine Golf Tour, sponsored by ICTSI, following the postponement of the Valley stop.

Que, who dominated the first two legs at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge before falling short at Forest Hills, is back in pursuit of another PGT title.

He’ll be joined by veteran Tony Lascuña and rising stars Aidric Chan and Carl Corpus, who recently scored breakthrough wins on the Asian Development Tour in Morocco — performances that have pushed them into the title conversation.

How those international victories will translate into mindset, confidence, and performance on home soil remains to be seen.

But with a strong field of local and international contenders ready to show off their renewed form, expect a fierce battle for supremacy.

The talent-packed roster includes Jhonnel Ababa, Ira Alido, Rupert Zaragosa, Sean Ramos, Zanieboy Gialon, Mike Bibat, and Jahns, as well as international challengers Daiya Suzuki, Collin Wheeler, Tae Soo Kim, Tae Won Kim, Junichi Katayama, Jisung Cheon, and Tae Won Ha.

All are eager to contend in the 72-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Meanwhile, the 54-hole Ladies PGT is shaping up to be a tight contest, with Harmie Constantino looking to regain her winning touch on the same course where she edged Pauline del Rosario by two strokes last year.

However, recent results suggest she has struggled with form, placing 22nd at Pradera Verde, tied for 20th at Eagle Ridge, and finishing 13th at Forest Hills.

Still, her familiarity with the Caliraya Springs layout could give her a key edge in her bid for redemption and a potential title repeat.

The compact 21-player women’s field is loaded with talent and ready to strike at any opportunity.

Princess Superal, a multiple-time champion, is determined to rediscover her dominant form.

Florence Bisera, Mikha Fortuna, Marvi Monsalve, Kayla Nocum, Koreans Tiffany Lee and Kim Seoyun, and Eagle Ridge leg playoff winner Mafy Singson all pose serious threats in what’s expected to be another tightly contested battle.