A lean but talented field of seasoned professionals and rising stars will tee off on Friday, aiming to secure one of five coveted spots for the Philippine Open, Asia’s oldest national golf championship, which will make its much-anticipated return later this month.

Former PH Masters champion Jessie Balasabas and Mars Pucay lead the veteran contingent in the 18-hole event, which will be held on the challenging Canlubang North layout. The National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) is filling its reserved slots for Filipinos in the main event.

Also joining the field are Gab Manotoc, Leandro Bagtas, and Josh Jorge, who will compete for a chance to make their debut in the $500,000 event that kicks off the 2025 Asian Tour season at the Masters course in the exclusive Manila Southwoods complex in Carmona, Cavite.

The local challenge will be spearheaded by former champions Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que, along with the top 25 players in the Order of Merit from the previous Philippine Golf Tour season, which was topped by the ever-determined Antonio Lascuna at the age of 53.

This strong lineup will ensure that the Philippines is well represented in the 72-hole tournament, which was last held in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic brought global sports to a halt.

“We hope to jumpstart the Asian Tour season by hosting a Philippine Open like no other,” said NGAP chair Al Panlilio, who personally ensured the event’s funding through the MVP Sports Foundation when he stepped in late last year.

“We want to show the Asian region that this event will be a must-attend stop for all the best players. This is just the beginning, and we wish everyone the best of luck.”

A separate qualifying tournament for amateurs will take place early next week, with the NGAP-Riviera Am held at the Couples course in Silang. The top four finishers after 72 holes will earn spots in the 23-26 January event at the Masters course.

Shin Suzuki, a member of the champion PH Putra Cup team, and Zeus Sara, the reigning PH Am titlist, are seeded into the main event, alongside 17-year-old prodigy Rianne Malixi, who is the reigning US Women’s Am and US Junior Girls champion and has received a special invite from the NGAP.

The NGAP has also extended an invitation to Yuka Saso, the Filipino-Japanese golfer who holds the US Women’s Open title.