Que, Jahns lead strong Filipino charge in Asian Tour season opener

Angelo Que (left) and Keanu Jahns

Pilipinas Golf

MANILA, Philippines — Angelo Que and Keanu Jahns look to seize the early-morning advantage as the chase for the inaugural Philippine Golf Championship fires off Thursday, February 5, at Wack Wack’s East Course in Mandaluyong, with a strong Filipino cast eager to make an immediate impact against a deep international field.

Que, a veteran of the Asian Tour wars, tees off at 7 a.m. on No. 1 with Kristoffer Broberg and Ian Snyman, hoping to rekindle fond memories at a venue where he once ruled. It was at Wack Wack that Que etched his name into local lore by winning the Philippine Open in 2008, and while time may have mellowed the three-time Asian Tour winner’s power game, his competitive fire and hunger for recognition remain undiminished.

For Que, the week represents another chance to remind the region that experience still matters. Fresh off capturing the Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit last season — the first of his long and decorated career — the 45-year-old remains one of the country’s most reliable performers when conditions demand patience and course management.

Jahns, meanwhile, begins even earlier at 6:50 a.m. on No. 10, paired with Soomin Lee and Sarut Vongchaisit, bringing youth, power, and momentum into the $500,000 championship. The Filipino-German standout was the winningest player on the local circuit last year, a three-title run highlighted by his triumph in the PGT season-ending March Play Championship at The Country Club.

While Jahns may have dominated the win column in 2024, Que ultimately topped the Order of Merit — a contrast that underscores the depth and balance of the Filipino challenge as the Asian Tour opens its season in the Philippines for the second straight year.

Leading the local charge even earlier is Arnold Villacencio, who earns the honor of teeing off in the opening group at 6:30 a.m. on No. 1 with Suradit Yongcharoenchai and amateur Perry Bucay, under what are expected to be the day’s most forgiving conditions. Russel Bautista follows at 6:40 a.m., aiming to find early rhythm against Sam Broadhurst and Khalid Attieh.

Other Filipino hopefuls also figure prominently in the morning wave. Rupert Zaragosa tees it up at 7:10 a.m. with Bobby Bai and Itthipat Buranatanyarat, while Aidric Chan faces a stern test at 7:30 a.m. against Lee Chieh-po and Rattanon Wannasrichan. At 7:50 a.m., Carl Corpus squares off with Senshou Cao and Harrison Crowe, while Tony Lascuña, one of the country’s most seasoned campaigners, goes head-to-head with Prom Meesawat and Tomohiro Ishizaka.

Mid-morning sees Lloyd Go at 8 a.m. alongside Shunyat and Danthai Boonma, before the afternoon wave brings another cluster of local bets. Fidel Concepcion tees off at 11:30 a.m. with Charles Porer and Ekpharit Wu, followed by Clyde Mondilla at 11:40 a.m. against Jeunghun Wang and Suteepat Prateeptienchai.

Justin Quiban faces a demanding late start at 11:50 a.m., grouped with Sihwan Kim and Chonlatit Chuenboonngam, while Japan Tour-based Justin delos Santos begins his campaign at 11:10 a.m. against Tawit Polthai and Gab Manotoc.

Adding further intrigue is Micah Shin, fresh off a victory at The Country Club Invitational last week, who launches his bid for back-to-back titles at 11:50 a.m. with Justin Warren and Guxin Chen. Reymon Jaraula tees off at 11:20 a.m. with Ahmad Baig and Thanpisit Omsin, rounding out a packed slate of Filipino contenders determined to shine on home soil.

With calm early conditions, intimate course knowledge, and home-gallery support, the locals are banking on a fast start — not just to stay in contention, but to send a clear message that the Philippine Golf Championship crown will not be handed over easily.