Rain-Softened Summit Point Course Demands Patience in PGT Championship

Angelo Que, the reigning Order of Merit champion of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT), emphasized patience as the key to success at the ICTSI Summit Point Championship, which began amid rainy conditions in Lipa, Batangas. Que, 47, experienced the Summit Point Golf and Country Club layout for the first time during the traditional Pro-Am event held on a rainy Monday, ahead of the P2.5 million, 72-hole tournament.

Que highlighted that the rain-softened course adds a significant challenge, making patience essential for any player aiming to secure victory by the tournament's conclusion. He noted that the wet conditions have made the course play longer and more demanding, requiring competitors to carefully manage their shots and course strategy.

The field is notably strong and wide open, featuring many of the tour's top players, including Justin Quiban, who recently returned from a stint on the PGA Tour in the United States. Quiban's presence adds to the competitive depth, ensuring a fierce battle for the title.

Que stressed the importance of knowing where to miss on the course, given its toughness under current conditions. He expressed a preference for challenging courses, suggesting that the demanding nature of Summit Point suits his playing style. Que is seeking his second win of the season, having narrowly edged Antonio Lascuña by one stroke at Caliraya Springs earlier in the year.

The tournament also includes a P1 million, 54-hole Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) championship, which commenced on Tuesday. Yvon Bisera is among the favorites in the women's field, which features several accomplished players.

Veteran golfers such as Antonio Lascuña, Michael Bibat, and Jonel Ababa are competing in the men's event, bringing experience to the field. Lascuña, a five-time Order of Merit winner, acknowledged that the recent rains have increased the course's difficulty by effectively lengthening it, making the week more demanding for all participants.

Emerging young talents to watch include Asian Games-bound Carl Corpus, Aidric Chan, and Sean Ramos, alongside Jeff Lumbo and Keanu Jahns. Jahns, a Filipino-German known for his power hitting, is seeking his first victory of the season after tying with Que for three wins last year. His recent finishes include third place at Lakewood, sixth at Caliraya Springs, a joint 28th at Pinewoods, and a third-place result at Pradera Verde, which could provide momentum heading into the Summit Point event.