Que cautious as Pinewoods Challenge tests PGT field

Angelo Que is chasing back-to-back titles on the Philippine Golf Tour, but the veteran campaigner is not making bold predictions as he heads into unfamiliar territory at the ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge.

Fresh from a dramatic victory at Caliraya Springs, Que will try to sustain his strong form when the third leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour begins Tuesday, June 30, at Pinewoods Golf and Country Club in Baguio.

The tournament, listed on the official PGT calendar as the 2026 ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge, is scheduled from June 30 to July 3 at Pinewoods Golf and Country Club.

“I’ve never played Pinewoods so I’ll have to see it first before making any comment over how I would assess my chances,” said Que, whose measured response reflects the respect the mountain layout commands despite his extensive international experience.

Que’s caution is rooted in the nature of Pinewoods, a course that is expected to test precision more than power.

The par-72 layout is built around rugged mountainside terrain, with fairways that leave little room for aggressive driving, thick rough that punishes slight misses, dramatic elevation changes, and sloping greens that demand precise club selection.

Although Pinewoods is modest in length compared with many championship venues, its 6,614-yard mountain setup has been billed as a demanding test for the country’s leading pros and rising stars.

Que and the rest of the field will get their first competitive look at one of Sta. Lucia’s premier courses during Monday’s traditional pro-am.

The 18-hole pro-am, where professionals will team up with guest amateurs, will also serve as the players’ final tuneup before the PHP 2.5 million championship begins.

More importantly, the pro-am will allow the players to study Pinewoods’ fairways, elevation shifts, tricky green complexes, and demanding shot values before the title chase begins.

Que enters the Baguio stop with momentum after surviving a tense final-round duel with Tony Lascuña to win by one shot at Caliraya Springs.

The victory gave Que his first win of the season.

He also strengthened his credentials with a joint eighth-place finish in a regional event last week, making him one of the hottest players in the field.

But the title race is expected to be one of the deepest of the season.

Clyde Mondilla arrives at Pinewoods after a strong recent finish, while Lloyd Go returns to the local circuit after sharpening his game in overseas tournaments.

Keanu Jahns will be seeking redemption after a costly final-round collapse at Caliraya Springs.

Lascuña, long regarded as one of the circuit’s most dangerous players, remains a perennial contender capable of thriving under difficult conditions.

Multi-titled Guido van der Valk also looms as a major threat.

Rupert Zaragosa, Jhonnel Ababa, Zanieboy Gialon, Fidel Concepcion, Dino Villanueva, and Jay Bayron are also expected to lean on experience and shot-making as they try to solve Pinewoods’ unpredictability.

The younger generation will bring a more aggressive approach, with Aidric Chan, Jeffren Lumbo, Russel Bautista, Ryan Monsalve, Gab Manotoc, and Kristoffer Arevalo eager to capitalize on a course that appears to offer no clear advantage to anyone.

The international contingent could also affect the title race.

Lee Song, Collin Wheeler, Atsushi Ueda, Kim Tae Soo, Ha Taewon, Jisung Cheon, and Daiya Suzuki will try to spoil the Filipinos’ bid for the championship.

With Pinewoods making its Tour debut, familiarity is unlikely to decide the outcome.

Adaptability, patience, and the ability to recover from mistakes could determine who rises above the field in the cool Baguio mountains.