MANILA, Philippines — Two-time champion Guido van der Valk is set to return to The Country Club Invitational on January 27 in Canlubang, aiming for a third title at the Philippine Golf Tour season opener.
Van der Valk, 45, finished runner-up to first-time champion Minwook Gwon of Korea in last year’s tournament after a sudden-death loss. He said he is motivated by last year’s close finish and has spent the offseason preparing for the challenge.
“The TCC Invitational is always competitive, and I’ve worked hard to be ready this year,” van der Valk said, noting a 10-day training block with his coach before Christmas helped sharpen his game.
The P6-million event features the top 30 players from last season’s PGT Order of Merit, including three-time champion and reigning OOM leader Angelo Que. Other notable participants include Keanu Jahns, Fidel Concepcion, Rupert Zaragosa, Reymon Jaraula, Russell Bautista, Clyde Mondilla, Jeffren Lumbo, Tony Lascuña, and foreign contenders Jaehyun Jung, Collin Wheeler, and Atsushi Ueda.
Van der Valk said he is confident in his form and ready to compete against both rising local players and international challengers.