Top guns, young turks gird for Caliraya clash
The Philippine Golf Tour gears up for another spirited, rousing clash as it heads to the scenic Caliraya Springs Golf Club for the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship unfolding on April 9 in Cavinti, Laguna.
The circuit has already seen a dynamic start to the season with different champions claiming victory in the first two legs at Apo and Palos Verdes in Davao, adding an element of unpredictability to the upcoming P2.5 million tournament.
Tony Lascuña showcased his enduring prowess to post a wire-to-wire triumph at the challenging mountaintop course last year. The 53-year-old campaigner has remained a formidable contender, securing a tie for third at the season-opening Apo Golf Classic, followed by a joint 10th place finish at the Palos Verdes Championship.
The Tour’s only four-time Order of Merit winner, Lascuña is fueled by a relentless desire to climb back to the top, despite facing stiff competition from both veteran campaigners and emerging talents.
The season has already witnessed Jhonnel Ababa’s thrilling sudden death win over Guido van der Valk at Apo, and Lloyd Go breaking a fouryear drought for his maiden PGT victory at Palos Verdes.
But while Ababa found challenges in maintaining his form, van der Valk has emerged as a model of consistency, securing runner-up positions in both tournaments thus far.
Meanwhile, Caliraya Springs, set 1,200 feet above sea level, presents a unique challenge with its undulating terrain and tricky surface, leveling the playing field for the competitors.