Juvic seeks 3rd TCC title as Asia's No. 1

MANILA, Philippines - Asian Tour No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan kicks off a busy 2012 season that includes a rare stint in a world major and the lucrative Japan PGA Tour as he vies in The Country Club Invitational where he hopes to brandish his A-game and nail the crown so dear to his heart.

“I’ve been working a lot on my game and physical conditioning. I’ve been focusing on these in my home course in Binitin (in Negros Occidental, Bacolod) during the off-season,” said Pagunsan, easily the marked man in the P4.5 million event unfolding tomorrow at the TCC layout in Canlubang.

Already a revered player on the local circuit, which he dominated with four victories last year en route to winning the Order of Merit crown, Pagunsan further enhanced his status when he became the region’s No. 1 behind a magnificent run in November and December last year.

The two-time TCC Invitational winner, however, has opted to downplay his chances in what has long been considered as the country’s major championship, owing to the depth of the competing field.

“Competition is always tough in the TCC, but for sure, I’m going all out for a third title,” said Pagunsan. “This tournament is very important and winning it is very dear to my heart.”

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 today as a prelude to the 10th staging of the annual event put up by ICTSI chair and CEO Ricky Razon in honor of his late father and ICTSI founder, Enrique “Don Pocholo” Razon Sr.

Pagunsan nipped Frankie Miñoza in sudden death to score his breakthrough win in 2006 then dominated the field to annex his second TCC title in 2008. But he fell short of his bid the last three years, losing by five to Angelo Que in 2010 and finishing third last year, also won by Que.

This time, however, Pagunsan vows to go all-out to recapture the crown.

“I have the highest respect for the TCC Invitational and the Razon tournaments,” said Pagunsan, referring to the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour. “I’m always excited to give it my best shot.”

So do the rest of the elite 36-player field chasing the P1.4 million purse, including the three-peat seeking Que and former winners Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna, Cassius Casas and Jerome Delariarte, Minoza and teener Miguel Tabuena.

While relishing being Asia’s No. 1, Pagunsan also stressed the need for him to concentrate more on his game after setting himself a target of winning more tournaments this year.

“Pressure has always been present in every stage of my career. But being the Asian Tour OOM winner has made me focus even much more,” said Pagunsan, who is set to compete on the Japan PGA Tour starting in April. He is also set to play in the World Championship in Miami in March and in the British Open in July, his reward for winning the Asian Tour crown.