ICTSI Valley Challenge: Que guns for breakthrough Order of Merit plum

Angelo Que

Pilipinas Golf

MANILA, Philippines — With his first Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit crown finally within reach, veteran campaigner Angelo Que is leaving nothing to chance as he spearheads a star-studded field in the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge, which fires off Tuesday, November 18, at the Valley Golf Club’s South Course in Antipolo.

For a man of his stature, the multi-titled Que has long been a mainstay atop Philippine golf’s elite ranks — a three-time Asian Tour champion, a former Philippine Open titlist, and a perennial contender in every local tournament he joins. Yet, a PGT OOM title — a season-long badge of consistency and dominance – has remained elusive.

That could finally change this week.

After nine legs in a tightly contested season, Que sits on top of the OOM ladder with P1,560,916 in earnings, built on two victories and two runner-up finishes. It’s been a masterclass in form, patience and perseverance — proof that even after more than two decades as a touring pro, Que’s competitive fire burns as fiercely as ever.

Que’s closest pursuer, Keanu Jahns, also boasts two victories but trails slightly with P1,484,183. However, with Jahns opting to skip the season-ending Valley stop for a family vacation in Japan, Que will have a clearer path to the top — though he still needs a solid showing to officially clinch the crown.

Hot on their heels is Fidel Concepcion, whose breakthrough triumph in the P3.5-million Apo Golf Classic boosted him to third with P1,250,083 in winnings. He remains the only player with a realistic mathematical shot of overtaking Que — but only if the veteran falters this week.

Still, Que isn’t expected to play it safe. Known for his aggressive style and trademark composure, the 46-year-old shotmaker is eager to cap off his stellar season in the same fashion he began it — with another victory.

Behind Que and Concepcion, a pack of elite contenders will also be eyeing a triumphant finish to the PGT’s 2025 season. Guido Van der Valk, winner at Forest Hills, is at fourth with P1,194,116, while Reymon Jaraula, who reigned at home in Del Monte, rounds out the top five with P1,069,583.

They’ll be joined by a strong cast of leg winners and established names like Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Russell Bautista, Ira Alido, Nilo Salahog and Dino Villanueva, all looking to close the season on a high note.

Adding intrigue to the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. are rising stars Carl Corpus, Aidric Chan and Sean Ramos and veteran Justin Quiban, who are back in local action following international stints.

The field also features a group of international mainstays, including Jisung Cheon, Collin Wheeler, Tae Soo Kim, Tae Won Kim and Atsushi Ueda, all capable of spoiling Que’s celebration.

Meanwhile, a handful of standouts from the Junior PGT will test their mettle against the pros, including Patrick Tambalque, Jakob Taruc, Kristoffer Nadales, Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok.