P6M TCC Invitational to Open New PGT Season

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The ICTSI The Country Club (TCC) Invitational is set to celebrate its 20th edition from Jan. 28–31, showcasing the country’s top golf talents in a high-stakes competition at the formidable TCC course in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The PHP 6-million event will kick off the 2025 Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) season, promising intense rivalries, dramatic moments, and surprises at every turn. The TCC Invitational, one of the most prestigious tournaments in local golf, attracts an elite roster of competitors, including the top 30 players from last year’s PGT Order of Merit (OOM) and past champions. International standouts like Miguel Tabuena add to the field’s prestige.

Tony Lascuña, the reigning champion, returns as the favorite after edging Miguel Tabuena in last year’s tournament. Lascuña’s stellar 2024 season, which included a record-setting fifth OOM title, underscores his dominance and ability to compete with younger challengers. The veteran golfer from Davao aims to further cement his legacy with another milestone victory.

Tabuena, a 2017 TCC Invitational champion, is expected to vie for the crown once again. Known for his strong international play, he seeks redemption after narrowly losing to Micah Shin in 2018 and Lascuña in 2024. However, a potential scheduling conflict with the International Series India could force Tabuena to withdraw, adding a layer of intrigue to the competition.

Even without Tabuena, the tournament remains highly competitive. Guido van der Valk, a two-time TCC Invitational winner (2020, 2023), heads a formidable roster of challengers. Angelo Que, a three-time champion, is also a favorite after finishing second to Lascuña in the 2024 OOM standings. Rising stars and seasoned professionals, including Reymon Jaraula, Keanu Jahns, Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, and new Asian Tour cardholder Sean Ramos, will also contend, ensuring an action-packed event.

The TCC Invitational, launched in 2003 by ICTSI chairman Ricky Razon to honor his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo, has grown into a prestigious showcase of the country’s best golfing talents. After breaks in 2015-16 and 2021-22, the tournament returns stronger than ever, offering a PHP 2-million top prize and a chance for players to conquer one of the nation’s most challenging courses.

As anticipation builds, the tournament promises a thrilling display of skill and determination. The lineup includes notable players such as Zanieboy Gialon, Hyun Ho Rho, Lloyd Go, Michael Bibat, Aidric Chan, Ira Alido, Ryan Monsalve, Russel Bautista, Kakeru Ozeki, Randy Garalde, Nilo Salahog, Art Arbole, Jay Bayron, Daiya Suzuki, Collin Wheeler, Dino Villanueva, Albin Engino, Tae Soo Kim, Minwook Gwon, Fidel Concepcion, and Francis Morilla.