CARMONA, Cavite — Chinese golf ace Liang Wenchong has returned to the Philippines, not only to compete in a country he calls “lucky,” but also to relaunch a world-class career that was temporarily sidelined due to business commitments.

“This is my restart,” Liang said during the Pro-Am of the $500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open on Wednesday. He led a team consisting of Star Sports editor Nelson Beltran, Spin.ph’s Dodo Catacutan and Ding Marcelo.

The Philippine Open, too, is experiencing its own “restart” after a five-year hiatus, which began when the Covid-19 pandemic halted global sports in 2020.

“I will play full-time again starting this year,” Liang, the winner of the inaugural Manila Masters at Manila Southwoods in 2013, shared. “This is good for my career restart because I’m lucky in this country.”

Liang’s name stands out among the international players competing in the opening leg of the Asian Tour season, especially due to his notable gesture in 2013, when he donated half of his winnings from the Manila Masters.

Now, as he looks to return to the form that once ranked him 57th in the world, his game will take center stage. “He hasn’t played much, but we all know he is very good,” said Thai golfer Jazz Janewattananond, a former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.

Three-time tour winner Nittithorn Thippong is another foreign pro to watch.

“It’s a tough course but as long as I keep my ball on the fairway, I would be all right,” said the 28-year-old Thai who is making his fourth visit to the country.

Nittithorn said he is still working on some swing adjustments but has set a goal of scoring at least 10-under for 72 rounds in every tournament he will play this season.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, Justin Quiban, and Japan Tour regular Justin delos Santos will also be ones to watch in the 72-hole competition. Tabuena, aiming for his third Open title, has left no stone unturned in his preparations, with a new caddy and intense practice on the world-class course.

“That’s certainly a motivation,” Tabuena said when asked about his pursuit of a third Open title. “It would definitely be nice to have my name on that trophy more than twice.”

The Masters layout, a par-70, once again tested players with its tough course design, which included converting two par-5s into long par-4s that require precise approach shots with long irons or hybrids.

Delos Santos, who arrived from the United States last Saturday, has begun shaking off the jetlag. Although he skipped the Pro-Am, he expressed that winning this event would carry immense pride.

World No. 3 amateur Rianne Malixi shares the spotlight as she competes in her first men’s event. She enters the competition with few expectations, taking on a course that has been adjusted to a par-70 after two par-5 holes were converted into par-4s. Meanwhile, Chase Koepka, brother of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, powered his team to victory in Wednesday’s pro-am morning session featuring the full scramble format.

The team, which also consists of amateurs Paco Puyat, Jet Mathay, and Eduardo Puyat, fired a 16-under-par 54 to win by a single stroke.

Second place on 55 was the squad composed of Angelo Que and amateurs Ruel Cabral, Joel Dayrit and Manolo Agojo.

Ian Snyman, on the other hand, led his team made up of King Stehmeier, Ace Stehmeier and Gino Olivares to third place on 56.