STA. ROSA, Laguna — Three former champions, including a record-holder and the defending titleholder, join a stellar lineup of seasoned campaigners and rising stars as they battle for pride, honor and glory in The Country Club (TCC) Invitational kicking off on Tuesday at the iconic TCC course here.

Boasting a prize pot of P6 million, this exclusive event brings together the Top 30 players from the 2024 Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit and former winners, promising intense drama, unexpected surprises and thrilling rivalries that have defined the TCC Invitational since its inception in 2003 by ICTSI chairman and chief executive officer Ricky Razon in honor of his father, Don Pocholo Razon, a passionate golfer himself.

Headlining the elite roster is Tony Lascuña, who outlasted Miguel Tabuena in a gripping stretch duel to claim the championship last year.

A five-time Order of Merit winner, Lascuña returns to the course determined yet wary of its formidable challenges.

“The TCC course is so unpredictable that it requires a different mindset, approach and style for every hole. Even a trailing player can emerge victorious in the closing stages,” said Lascuña, who first won the TCC title in 2004 and waited two decades to recapture it.

Joining Lascuña are two other marquee names chasing their own milestones.

Guido van der Valk, a Manila-based Dutchman and two-time TCC champion, is out to redeem himself after a rollercoaster 2024 season that started strong but ended without a victory.

Lascuña squares off against Reymon Jaraula and Clyde Mondilla at 8:40 a.m., following the group of Angelo Que, Keanu Jahns and Sean Ramos.

Meanwhile, Van der Valk tees off at 8:20 a.m., competing alongside Rupert Zaragosa and Jhonnel Ababa.

Other notable groups include Aidric Chan, Russell Bautista, and Hyun Ho Rho at 8:50 a.m., while Lloyd Go, Ira Alido and Kakeru Ozeki headline the final flight at 9 a.m.

Que, a three-time champion, aims to add a record-extending fourth TCC trophy to his illustrious career.

Yet, the unpredictable TCC course levels the playing field for veterans and rising stars alike. Known for its exacting design, the course demands mental fortitude, precise strategy and risk-taking. Its sleek greens, daunting hazards and variable winds make every hole a fresh challenge, ensuring that the championship remains anyone’s game.

Others expected to make their mark are Ryan Monsalve, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Randy Garalde, Jay Bayron, Daiya Suzuki, Collin Wheeler, Dino Villanueva, Albin Engino, Tae Soo Kim, Minwook Gwon, Fidel Concepcion and Francis Morilla.

For Lascuña, the tournament offers a chance to further cement his legacy.

“Winning last year reminded me of the importance of patience and persistence, especially on a course as demanding as TCC. This week will test all of us,” he said.

As the players take on the 72-hole challenge, the stage is set for a showdown filled with unforgettable moments, proving once again why the TCC Invitational remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in Philippine golf.