Top 32 Golfers Gear Up for ICTSI Country Club Match Play Invitational

The prestigious ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational is set to commence on Tuesday, November 25, at the challenging TCC course in Laguna. The tournament will feature the top 32 performers from the Philippine Golf Tour’s 10-leg season, transitioning from the traditional cumulative scoring to the intense, hole-by-hole format of match play.

This P2-million season finale offers a dramatically different type of competition, where every hole is a fresh contest and previous achievements offer no assurance. Angelo Que, who clinched his first Order of Merit title this season, is poised to capitalize on his remarkable campaign despite a recent stomach ailment that forced his withdrawal from the Valley finale.

Que’s dominant season included two victories at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge, as well as multiple top finishes, earning him P1,560,916. Now, he shifts focus to a format that tests strategic thinking, resilience, and composure rather than solely consistent scoring.

Last year’s tournament highlighted the unpredictable nature of match play, with underdogs Arnold Villacencio and Albin Engino making surprising runs to the finals. Villacencio ultimately secured the title with an emphatic 4&3 victory, showcasing how match play can enable lower-ranked players to upset the favorites.

Match play uniquely resets the competitive landscape each hole, limiting the damage from individual errors and encouraging aggressive play. This dynamic fosters rapid momentum swings and heightens psychological pressure, often enabling fearless challengers to unseat established stars.

Despite the reputation for volatility, the selected field this year suggests form and ranking may play a larger role, though surprises remain a constant possibility. Villacencio returns as the No. 20 seed, whereas Engino missed the cut, leaving the competition open for emerging talents.

Angelo Que starts his quest for the championship against Gerald Rosales, the 32nd seed and Que’s former national teammate. The No. 2 seed Keanu Jahns, who did not participate in the Valley leg, will face Taewon Ha, while No. 3 Fidel Concepcion prepares for a match against the seasoned and strategic Mars Pucay.

Additional opening-round matches include Guido van der Valk versus Marvin Dumandan, Rupert Zaragosa versus Sean Ramos, Reymon Jaraula versus Nilo Salahog, Russell Bautista versus James Ryan Lam, and Jaehyun Jung versus Chonkoo Kang.

Carl Corpus, fresh off his maiden PGT victory at the Valley, embarks on his first significant match play challenge against Tae Soo Kim. Former Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla, well-acquainted with the demanding TCC layout, faces Elee Bisera.

The tournament field also features notable players such as Aidric Chan, Jeffren Lumbo, Tony Lascuña, Collin Wheeler, Mike Bibat, Atsushi Ueda, Dino Villanueva, Jhonnel Ababa, Ryan Monsalve, Zanieboy Gialon, and Gabriel Manotoc, ensuring a highly competitive and thrilling event.