Pars, birdies and long game: How ICTSI built Philippine golf’s future

If Philippine golf had a face, it would probably be sunburnt, slightly annoyed at missed birdie putts, but still smiling — and that’s because of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour (PGT).

Since 2009, the PGT has been the playground for Filipino pros — a place where dreams are chased, egos get bruised and careers either take off or start wondering if maybe they should’ve just gone into sales.

Thanks to ICTSI — and Ricky Razon’s golf obsession — this tour has been rolling smoother than a freshly cut green for over a decade.

Lascuña: The ageless wonder

If you ever needed proof that golf is the only sport where you can grow old and still collect trophies, just point to Antonio Lascuña. The guy’s in his 50s. Most people that age are googling senior discounts — but Lascuña’s still out here winning.

Not just “showing up to get the free towel,” winning.

He’s a multi-time Order of Merit champion, basically the MVP of the PGT. While younger players show up with new drivers, high-tech watches, and launch monitors, Lascuña just shows up with his swing, his smile and a habit of hitting fairways like he’s on autopilot.

Watching him play is like eating your Lola’s adobo — nothing fancy, but it hits every single time.

Local tour, global dreams

The PGT isn’t just a local tour — it’s the launchpad for Filipino golfers chasing global dreams.

This is where guys like Miguel Tabuena, Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan cut their teeth. Tabuena casually won the Philippine Open and started hanging out on the Asian Tour like it was just a weekend barkada match. Que and Pagunsan? They took their talents to the Japan Golf Tour and made serious money while looking cool doing it.

Then there’s Rupert Zaragosa — remember that baby-faced kid who used to win everything in junior golf? Now he’s beating guys twice his age… still looks like someone’s nephew carrying clubs, but with a wicked short game.

And don’t sleep on the women.

The ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) may not be loud, but it’s packed with silent assassins. Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario and Chanelle Avaricio — they trained here before casually dropping birdies abroad like it’s grocery shopping. Smile, nod, next hole.

The kids are alright

Here’s the cool part: ICTSI isn’t just about the pros. They have started a junior program.

Junior players from Aparri to Davao get exposure via the Junior PGT, making local golf dads start looking for used clubs on Facebook Marketplace for their kids.

More par-3 courses. More driving ranges. More kids skipping homework because “practice muna, Ma.”

Next stop: The Olympics

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics coming up, Philippine golf isn’t just hoping to get invited. This time, we’re planning on showing up for a medal.

And behind that medal dream is over a decade of hustle on the fairways of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour.

It’s been long. It’s been sweaty. There were too many three-putts. But it’s been fun.

Because Philippine golf isn’t just about the score anymore — it’s about the stories, the grind and the jokes about your buddy’s wicked slice.

And honestly? That’s the game we love.