Angelo Que seeks to make an early impact on his return to the local circuit, eager and ready to slug it out with the men of the Philippine Golf Tour all geared up for the ICTSI Eagle Ridge at Aoki Invitational, which gets under way on July 5 in Gen. Trias, Cavite.
The many-time PGT winner hasn’t seen action since finishing tied for 11th in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Challenge, also at Aoki, won by Miguel Tabuena in 2021, resuming his campaign in Japan where he failed to advance in his last two tournaments, the Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship and the Golf Partner Pro-Am tournament, both in Ibaraki, last month. He tied for 47th in The Crowns in Aichi last April.
But fully rested and hungry for another crack at a local crown, the former Philippine Open champion is brimming with confidence as he targets a top podium finish in the 72-hole championship put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
The PGT will be held simultaneously with the Ladies PGT for the fourth time in the season.
“I played last in Japan last month and has spent time with my family since,” said Que. “With enough rest, I think I’m prepared for next week’s tournament.”
Also back in the roster is Keanu Jahns, due for a big finish after posting a couple of runner-up efforts in 2019—in the Apo Golf Invitational and The Country Club Invitational.
Headlining the Eagle Ridge cast are Caliraya Springs leg runaway winner Zanieboy Gialon and Dutch Guido Van der Valk, who edged Tabuena in sudden death to snare the ICTSI Splendido Taal crown last month.
Tabuena, who ruled the PGT kickoff leg at Luisita last March, also via playoff over Clyde Mondilla, is skipping next week’s tournament to play in the US while Mondilla has also begged off to honor a previous commitment.
But the depth of the competing field remains as talent laden as ever with Michael Bibat, Jay Bayron, Tony Lascuña, Reymon Jaraula, Ruperto Zaragosa, Jerson Balasabas, Jhonnel Ababa, Fidel Concepcion, Jun Bernis, Marvin Dumandan, Gerald Rosales, Nilo Salahog, Eric Gallardo and Rufino Bayron raring to get going.
Beefing up the cast are seasoned campaigners Frankie Miñoza and Robert Pactolerin while a crack young crew led by Ira Alido, seeking a follow-up to his breakthrough win at PGT Riviera Championship in 2020, Lloyd Go, Sean Ramos, Ivan Monsalve, and Dan Cruz are also out to make their mark in the P2 million championship.