ANGELO Que is putting emphasis on mental preparation as he gears up for a record victory against a formidable field in The Country Club Invitational set to tee off on Jan. 23 at the demanding TCC course in Canlubang.
Despite not winning on home soil since routing the field by 12 strokes at the ICTSI Classic at Mount Malarayat last 2017, Que is motivated to nail a fourth victory in the P6 million championship, which boasts of former champions and the Top 30 players from last year’s Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit ranking.
“Since no one has won four times at the TCC Invitational, it would be a big motivation to try and achieve this,” said Que, who triumphed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.
However, the three-time Asian Tour champion and one-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour acknowledged the challenge posed by a strong field of young players. He considers them as the biggest hurdle to his record drive in the event put up by ICTSI chairman/CEO Ricky Razon in 2003 to honor his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.
“There are a lot of good, young players out there now, I think that would be the biggest hurdle,” said Que, 45, who has racked up 16 victories in a 20-year pro career.
Notable contenders include last year’s PGT leg winners Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa along with last year’s runner-up Lloyd Go, Keanu Jahns and Korean Hyun Ho Rho while former champions Miguel Tabuena and Tony Lascuña are also ready for a shot a second crown in the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by PGTI’s official apparel Kampfortis Golf.
Two-time winner Frankie Miñoza, 64, is also expected to add class and prestige to the event, which serves as the kickoff tournament for the 10-leg PGT circuit this year.
