The Philippine Golf Tour resumes with the staging of the ICTSI Riviera Championship at the tough Langer course in Silang, Cavite Tuesday.
The course, which measures 7,000 yards, puts premium on accuracy due to its tight, hazard-laden layout.
“If the wind blows, then it’s going to be real tough,” said Guido Van der Valk after playing in Monday’s pro-am.
The Manila-based Dutchman pulled off a stirring playoff win over Miguel Tabuena at Splendido Taal last May.
Van der Valk is paired with Juvic Pagunsan, Angelo Que, and Joenard Rates at 9:40 a.m. on No. 1.
Also in the field are former Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla, multi-titled Tony Lascuña, Caliraya Springs leg champion Zanieboy Gialon, Jhonnel Ababa, Jay Bayron, Jobim Carlos and young guns Ivan Monsalve and Sean Ramos.
Mondilla will play alongside Lascuna, Ababa and Mars Pucay at 9:50 a.m., also on the first hole, to be followed by the group of Monsalve, Ramos, Eric Superal and Albin Engino.
Ira Alido, who won at Riviera in 2020, will tee off in the company of Jay Bayron, Fidel Concepcion, and legend Frankie Miñoza at 10 a.m., also on No. 1.
Coinciding with the men’s tour event is the women’s tournament featuring amateur sensation Rianne Malixi who is paired with Harmie Constantino and Marvi Monsalve at 12:10 p.m.
Chihiro Ikeda, on the other hand, tees off with Sunshine Baraquiel and Mafy Singson at 11:50 a.m., on No. 1.
“This is going to be a different battle. Langer is a long course and there are so many tests to consider and overcome,” said Ikeda, winner at Mount Malarayat and Eagle Ridge-Aoki.
“Emphasis is on the short game but every shot counts here,” said Sarah Ababa, still in search of a follow-up victory to her breakthrough triumph at Sherwood Hills way back in 2015.