FRESH off a three-week break, multi-titled golfer Tony Lascuña will look to pull off the same kind of success that he enjoyed in the ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge when he competes in the ICTSI Riviera Championship in Silang, Cavite on Dec. 8.
Lascuña stalked the leaders in the first two rounds, made his move in the pivotal third day to grab the lead then cruised to a four-stroke win over Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa in a victory that was more than a triumph of the spirit for the veteran campaigner whose work ethic remains the envy of his peers and inspiration for the Tour’s rising stars.
He also makes it a point to share his expertise with the young and old alike, taking time to teach at Manila Southwoods’ driving range in between training and practice rounds.
“I love to teach, and the sport just continues to grow and grow through the years with more and more youngsters willing to learn and become good, strong players someday,” said Lascuña.
But a tougher challenge awaits the four-time PGT Order of Merit winner in next week’s ICTSI Riviera Championship where the title chase is expected to be a lot more exciting and unpredictable since it will be held at the more demanding Langer layout of Riviera.
The P2.5 million event gets underway on Dec. 8 with practically the same Couples field vying in the 72-hole championship capping the two-tournament PGT’s restart after the country’s premier circuit went on an eight-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The upcoming event, however, will see the likes of Alido, Zaragosa, along with Justin Quiban, Fidel Concepcion, Michael Bibat, Albin Engino and Gerald Rosales, all pumped-up not just to stop Lascuña’s sweep bid but also to fuel their own respective drive in the event put up by ICTSI to likewise help provide something for the pros for the coming holidays.
Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena, both former Philippine Open champions and two of the country’s top players, are also raring to redeem themselves from a fourth and tied for seventh place finishes, respectively, at Couples. (JNP)