Former Japan Open champ adds star power to Philippine Open field

MANILA, Philippines — Already brimming with Asian Tour stars and local talents, the Philippine Open has gained another formidable contender in 2023 Japan Open winner Aguri Iwasaki when the premier event is held on January 23-26 at the Manila Southwoods' Masters course in Carmona, Cavite.

This after the 27-year-old Japanese ace confirmed his participation in the $500,000 championship kicking off this year's lucrative Asian Tour.

“He's very excited to come over and play in the Philippine Open. He’ll undoubtedly be one of the players to watch that week,” said Southwoods assistant general manager and former champion pro Jerome Delariarte.

Iwasaki brings impressive credentials to the event, having clinched the Japan Open title two years ago. He edged out Ryo Ishikawa by two strokes at the Ibaraki Country Club’s West Course, cementing his status as one of the top players on the Japan Golf Tour.

The two-time Japan Golf Tour winner will compete against a stellar lineup that includes reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion John Catlin, former OOM winners Sihwan Kim (USA) and Jazz Janewattananond (Thailand), and Philippine golfing icons Miguel Tabuena, Angelo Que, Justin Quiban and Tony Lascuña, among others.

The event also serves as a homecoming for Iwasaki, who was once a key member of the Manila Southwoods team during Interclub tournaments. His time at Southwoods, alongside now-PGA Tour star Tom Kim and DP World Tour standout Yuto Katsuragawa, provided him with valuable experience on the challenging Masters course.

“Aguri has a well-rounded game, one that’s certainly capable of winning a tournament as big as the Philippine Open,” said Delariarte.

Aside from Iwasaki, the Open will showcase a mix of international and local talents. Justin delos Santos, a fellow Japan Tour campaigner, and top Asian Tour players like Suteepat Prateeptienchai and Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand, Taiwan’s Chan Shih-chang, and Canada’s Richard Lee are set to join the fray.

Other notable participants include Jbe Kruger of South Africa, England’s Steve Lewton, and Hong Kong’s rising star Taichi Kho.

The Philippines will also be well-represented by top golfers such as Clyde Mondilla, Rupert Zaragosa, Keanu Jahns and Ira Alido.

With Dutchman Guido van der Valk and South Korean Hyun Ho Rho also in the mix, the tournament promises to deliver world-class competition.

Meanwhile, three additional slots will be filled through an 18-hole qualifier on Sunday, open to club members and accredited pros.