Dutch three-peat looms at TCC

The Netherland’s pro golfer Guido van der Valk has his work cut out for himself gunning for a third straight title in The Country Club Invitational which gets going 23 January at the TCC in Canlubang, Laguna.

Now based in Manila, van der Valk has been training and preparing against a tough field including Lloyd Go and Clyde Mondilla whom he defeated for the title the past two outings.

As part of the exclusive field composed of former champions and the Top 30 in the previous year’s PGT Order of Merit rankings, van der Valk anticipates a fierce contest for top honors, considering the elite cast and the challenges posed by the TCC course.

“I’m hoping for a good week. It’s going to be a great test of golf as The Country Club always is,” he said.

Meanwhile, a select group of pros will acquaint themselves with the TCC layout tomorrow, 22 January, for the traditional pro-am tournament, partnering with TCC members and amateur guests of the sponsoring ICTSI.

‘I’m hoping for a good week. It’s going to be a great test of golf as The Country Club always is.’

Recognizing the demanding conditions, including the course’s length, the defending champion meticulously worked on refining every aspect of his game during the break, collaborating with his coach over the holidays.

“I had my coach over here during the holidays, so had some work done. Hoping it will all fall into place before the tournament,” van der Valk said.

The rest also look forward to a gripping test of will and character given the demanding conditions with three-time champion Angelo Que, alongside former titlists Tony Lascuña and Miguel Tabuena, also gearing up for the challenge.

Jhonnel Ababa, who topped the PGT OOM derby last year with two leg victories and a number of Top 10 finishes, Mondilla, Reymon Jaraula, Ruperto Zaragosa III, Dino Villanueva, Michael Bibat, Marvin Dumandan, Sean Ramos and Go are equally determined to secure a breakthrough.

The P6-million championship is organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and supported by PGTI’s official apparel Kampfortis Golf.