Juvic Pagunsan, a seasoned veteran of the Japan Golf Tour and one of the most prominent names in Philippine golf, may finally make a rare local appearance in the Philippine Open — a tournament that has so far eluded him. Known for his consistency and skill on the greens, Pagunsan has enjoyed a stellar career, but the Philippine Open remains the one major title he has yet to conquer.

Pagunsan has built a successful career on the Japan Golf Tour, securing two victories and establishing himself as one of the tour’s most reliable players. His career highlights include winning The Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open in 2021 and the Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament in 2023. The 46-year-old Filipino star has accumulated total earnings of ¥288,100,428 (approximately P108 million) in Japan alone.

Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, which will host the Philippine Open from 23 to 26 January 2025, has extended an invitation to Pagunsan, who has playing privileges at the Carmona-based course.

Although there were talks about PGA Tour star Tom Kim’s participation, the Korean, who played for Manila Southwoods in the PAL Interclub, had to decline due to a prior commitment.

However, the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) is hopeful of attracting PGA Tour regular Rico Hoey and Japan Golf Tour mainstay Justin de los Santos to join the $500,000 tournament.

Local golfing hero Antonio Lascuña, who topped the ICTSI Tour Order of Merit, will lead the domestic challenge.

The last time the Philippine Open was held, six years ago, Miguel Tabuena claimed the title. During the press conference launching the event as the Asian Tour’s season opener, Cho Minn Thant, commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, expressed excitement about the return of the tournament.

“The return of the Philippine Open is a significant development for golf in the region, and we extend our thanks to the National Golf Association of the Philippines and Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club for paving the way for its revival,” Thant said. “The Asian Tour has a long-standing relationship with the tournament and the golf community in the Philippines, and we’ve eagerly awaited the day when we could welcome it back. This tournament is rich in history and excitement and carries the responsibility of being the flagship event in one of the region’s golfing hubs. We couldn’t ask for a more fitting event to kick off the season than the National Open of the Philippines.”

Tabuena, a two-time winner of the Philippine Open, also expressed his thoughts on the tournament’s significance, saying, “As a professional golfer, your national open always holds a special place. Winning on home soil feels different, and I feel blessed to have won the Philippine Open twice. It’s been a hope of mine to have a home stop again, so this is exciting news. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. There’s so much Philippine golf to be seen!”

NGAP chairman Al Panlilio shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The Philippine Open is back, and we’re really excited. We aim to host it in the best possible way, attracting the best players and increasing the prize money.”