Five Philippines Open slots disputed in Cangolf qualifier

MANILA, Philippines — A lean but talented field made up of seasoned professionals and the upcoming guns will be teeing it up tomorrow to chase as many as five slots to the Philippine Open, Asia’s oldest national golf championship which will have its revival later this month.

Former Philippine Masters champion Jessie Balasabas and Mars Pucay banner the cast of veterans in the 18-hole event that will be held over the Canlubang North layout as the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines fills up its slots reserved for Filipinos in the main event.

Gab Manotoc, Leandro Bagtas and Josh Jorge have also thrown their hats into the fight as they try to see action for the first time in the $500,000 event that kicks off the 2025 Asian Tour season at the Masters course of the posh Manila Southwoods complex in Carmona, Cavite.

The local challenge will be bannered by former champions Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que plus the top 25 in the Order of Merit of the last Philippine Golf Tour season which the indefatigable Antonio Lascuna topped at the age of 53.

This will ensure that the country will be well represented in the 72-hole event, which was last played in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.