Go, Villanueva share TCC lead

STA. ROSA, Laguna, Philippines — Lloyd Go birdied three of the last five holes in blustery conditions, catching Dino Villanueva at the top with a three-under 69 in the opening round of The Country Club Invitational 2025 at the TCC course here yesterday.

Clyde Mondilla, despite a solid effort, lamented missed opportunities on the long holes, settling for a 70 and solo third, while Aidric Chan and Gwon Minwook carded 71s to share fourth place, keeping the leaderboard tight in the P6-million championship, the flagship tournament the Philippine Golf Tour.

Coming off a breakthrough victory at PGT Palos Verdes last year, Go opened his 2025 campaign in impressive fashion, submitting his best-ever score at the notoriously demanding TCC layout.

“I hit it really good, the numbers were ideal for my full swings,” said Go, who remained focused on his game plan rather than the leaderboard.

Earlier, Villanueva dominated the front nine with a scorching five-under 31, which provided enough cushion against a late slip that saw him drop strokes on Nos. 13 and 14.

Taking advantage of an early start, he caught fire with four consecutive birdies from No. 2, seizing the spotlight in the 20th staging of the annual event held in honor of ICTSI founder Don Pocholo Razon.