Singson, Jahns Eye Titles as Forest Hills Classics Tee Off

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Mafy Singson and Keanu Jahns headline a star-studded field as the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic tees off today, June 3, with the Ladies and Philippine Golf Tour legs promising high-stakes drama at one of the country’s most challenging layouts.

Fresh from a stretch of international play, Singson enters her fourth consecutive tournament week with energy and optimism, hoping to build on a solid campaign in China and a recent LPGT win at Eagle Ridge.

“I actually feel good coming into this week. Even if it’s my fourth straight week of playing tournaments, I’m more excited than tired,” said Singson, who also tied for 24th at the China Golf Women’s Legacy event in Sichuan.

“I’ve kept my body in condition and hopefully I can perform well,” added the ICTSI-backed rising star.

Singson, who edged Florence Bisera in a playoff last March, is targeting another deep run at Forest Hills, where she relishes returning to a familiar course and competitive atmosphere.

“I’m excited to see familiar faces and play a course I’ve already played before. Joining the LPGT is always fun for me,” she said.

Singson leads a competitive field including multi-titled Princess Superal, former Order of Merit champion Harmie Constantino, Mikha Fortuna, Chanelle Avaricio, Chihiro Ikeda, Kayla Nocum and Sarah Ababa.

Tiffany Lee, a promising junior and rookie pro, is another strong contender after flashes of brilliance in recent LPGT stops, including a third-place finish at Eagle Ridge.

The P1 million LPGT event is organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

On the men’s side, Keanu Jahns returns to Forest Hills as defending champion, determined to replicate last year’s breakthrough victory despite limited practice.

“I’m not really expecting anything, as usual. I try to keep myself in the present,” said the Fil-German, who edged Rupert Zaragosa last year for his maiden PGT crown.

“I haven’t had a lot of time for on-course practice because I’ve been busy with work. But I’ve been putting in work on the Trackman, dialing in my distances and especially working on my driver,” Jahns added.

Now a father, the 29-year-old finds deeper motivation behind his game.

“Of course, I’ve been more motivated since my daughter’s birth. She’s been a huge inspiration,” he shared.

Forest Hills’ Jack Nicklaus-designed course is known for narrow fairways, hilly terrain and slick greens, a setup that will test both strategy and stamina over four rounds.

“Same strategy,” said Jahns. “It’s more of a smart-aggressive style of play. If I can keep a decent FIR and GIR with solid putting, I can shoot good scores.”

Angelo Que, a back-to-back champion at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge, aims for a rare treble and leads the P2.5 million men’s championship cast.

Joining him are PGT veterans Tony Lascuña, Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, Ira Alido, Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gialon and Zaragosa.

Rising stars like Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, Ryan Monsalve and Hyun Ho Rho are also eager to make their mark in the 72-hole battle.

Asian Tour regular Justin Quiban returns home to chase his fourth PGT title and reignite old rivalries.

The international contingent includes Tae Soo Kim, Atsushi Ueda, Toru Nakajima, Junichiro Katayama, Taewon Ha, Jisung Cheon and Chonkoo Kang.

With its stacked fields, high-stakes purses, and Forest Hills’ unforgiving layout, both LPGT and PGT events promise a thrilling week of strategy, shotmaking and resilience under pressure.

Veterans, rookies and returning champions now stand on the tee—ready to define their legacies in championship golf.