Que seeks TCC Invit'l grand slam

MANILA, Philippines - Angelo Que sets out for The Country Club Invitational against a field he had dominated the last two years, hopeful of his chances for another win and a record three-peat in the P4.5 million event unfolding Thursday at the TCC layout in Laguna.

“It’s possible but it’s going to be a challenge especially with a strong field for the tournament this year,” said Que on his grand slam bid in what has become the country’s golfing major with a rich purse and a field teeming with talent.

Que posted a one-shot victory over Marvin Dumandan last year, finished joint ninth in the Avantha Masters in India a month later then ruled the Mt. Malarayat leg of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour in April. But the former Philippine Open champion failed to sustain his fine start, his joint 16th place at the Macau Open proving his best while missing the cut five times on the Asian Tour.

He also had forgettable finishes in the three other legs on the ICTSI-PGT, even missing the cut in the final leg at Wack Wack.

But he vows to turn things around this year, starting with the TCC Invitational, which features a select cast of 36 players from last year’s ICTSI-PGT Order of Merit ranking.

“Hopefully, with a little bit of luck and the help of coach Bong (Lopez) and support of my family, I’ll be able to overcome the challenge for a three-peat,” said Que.

Out to foil Que’s record bid are reigning OOM champion Juvic Pagunsan, also a two-time winner of the TCC Invitational, and former champions Cassius Casas, Tony Lascuna, Jerome Delariarte and Artemio Murakami.

The rest of the field are also expected to come out in top form following a full-season campaign on the local circuit, ensuring a spirited battle for the top P1.45 million prize in the four-day championship, put up by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in honor of his late father and ICTSI founder, Enrique “Don Pocholo” Razon Sr.

The list includes Frankie Miñoza, who lost to Pagunsan in a playoff in 2006 but closed out last year’s campaign with a vintage come-from-behind win at Wack Wack, and teener Miguel Tabuena, who is coming off a stint in the Sony Open of the PGA Tour.

Others in the fold are Elmer Salvador, winner of the OOM title in the inaugural staging of the ICTSI-PGT, Jhonnel Ababa, a three-leg winner last season, 2010 OOM champion Jay Bayron, Rufino Bayron, Mhark Fernando, Elmer Saban, Richard Sinfuego and Robert Pactolerin.

Meanwhile, the traditional 18-hole pro-am event, featuring the leadings pros and ICTSI’s guests from various sectors and event’s sponsors, will be held Wednesday as a prelude to the 10th staging of the TCC Invitational.

The event will also serve as the kickoff leg of the 2012 ICTSI-PGT, a 15-leg circuit offering a total prize fund of P15 million, firing off March 14 at Splendido in Tagaytay.