ANTIPOLO – Keanu Jahns is back where it all began — and this time, he’s playing with a little more purpose.

The 29-year-old Fil-German golfer returns to Forest Hills Golf and Country Club — the site of his breakthrough win last year — not with lofty expectations, but with a quiet determination to go back-to-back at the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic, which tees off today, Tuesday, June 3.

“I’m not really expecting anything, as usual,” Jahns said with a calm shrug on the eve of the tournament. “I just try to stay in the present. I know that if I can do that, I usually play my best.”

It was right here at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course where Jahns stunned the field, edging out Rupert Zaragosa by two shots to claim his first-ever title on the Philippine Golf Tour. But since then, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. He opened 2024 with a promising T-6 finish at Pradera Verde, but slipped to a tie for 17th at Eagle Ridge.

Still, he’s staying optimistic — and grounded.

“I’m pretty confident,” he said. “As long as I can manage the course well enough, I know I can put up some good numbers.”

And these days, Jahns isn’t just playing for himself.

Since becoming a father last November, golf has taken on a new meaning.

“Of course, I’ve been more motivated since my daughter’s birth,” he said, smiling. “She’s been a huge inspiration.”

But life as a new dad comes with its own set of challenges — including finding time to practice. Jahns admitted he hasn’t logged many on-course reps leading up to his title defense.

“I’ve been busy with work, so I haven’t had much time for practice rounds,” he said. “But I’ve been grinding on the Trackman — dialing in my distances, really focusing on my driver. That’s something I struggled with in the first two events.”

Forest Hills is no walk in the park. The course’s tight fairways, elevation changes, and slick greens demand precision and a clear head. Fortunately, Jahns has a plan — the same one that won him the title last year.

“Same strategy,” he said. “I wouldn’t call it conservative — more like smart-aggressive. I play with my natural miss in mind, and as long as I can keep my FIRs and GIRs up and roll the putter well, I know I can score.”

But Jahns knows he’ll have to dig deep to repeat.

Angelo Que is gunning for a rare hat-trick after back-to-back wins at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge. He’ll be joined by a loaded cast of veterans — Tony Lascuña, Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, Ira Alido, Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gialon, and Zaragosa — all capable of taking the crown.

Young guns are also out to shake things up. Aidric Chan, fresh off a win on the Asian Development Tour, leads the charge with Carl Corpus, Ryan Monsalve, Dan Cruz, Leandro Bagtas, and Korean standout Hyun Ho Rho.

And then there’s Justin Quiban — a three-time PGT champion — returning from his Asian Tour campaign to test himself once more on home soil.

A strong group of international players, including Tae Soo Kim, Atsushi Ueda, Toru Nakajima, and others, adds even more firepower to what’s shaping up to be a thrilling four-day battle for the P2.5 million purse.

With a deep field and a demanding course as the stage, expect drama, momentum swings, and moments that define championship golf.

Whether it’s a veteran chasing legacy, a young star chasing their moment, or a new dad chasing one more reason to celebrate — Forest Hills is ready.