18 years later, Que hungry as ever

Angelo Que is keeping his expectations in check but remains hopeful of winning a second Philippine Open title, 18 years after capturing his first crown.

The three-time Asian Tour winner will spearhead a 27-man Filipino contingent in the 108th edition of the national championship, hoping to end the country’s title drought after France’s Julien Sale ruled last year.

“Winning it the second time around, it’s going to be big for me, especially at my age,” Que said during a press conference at Manila Southwoods Masters last Tuesday.

Que won the Philippine Open in 2008, edging Malaysia’s Danny Chia by one stroke. While another victory would be a significant milestone, the veteran said he was simply grateful to still be competing in the tournament.

“Eighteen years ago, that seems like a long time ago but every year, I get a chance to play in the Philippine Open. Of course, it’s good that I still have a chance to play and if I do well, maybe even win,” he said.

“But my expectations are not… I’m not trying to expect anything. I’m just happy that I can still play even after that long.”

Que acknowledged that the challenge has grown tougher, with younger players bringing greater power, control and knowledge of the game.

“Everybody’s better now. Everybody hits so much further. They have so much control. The knowledge of the game is deeper now than we were before. We just depended if we were lucky on that week. We didn’t know about fitness back in the day,” he said.

Playing at home also carries added pressure, with Filipino fans expecting the local bets to contend.

“There’s a lot of pressure, especially playing at home with the home crowd, because they will all be rooting for you. But you just have to go out there and do what you need to do,” Que said.

Familiarity with Manila Southwoods could work to the Filipinos’ advantage, although recent changes to the Masters layout have diminished that edge. The course, previously played as a par-72, now plays as a par-70.

Que said local players still know the layout better than visiting competitors, but ultimately must deliver their best golf.

Despite the challenge, he is rooting for the entire Filipino contingent, including several golfers he has mentored.

“Some of them are my students. I guess I’m rooting for everybody. I hope that all of us do well in the tournament,” he said.

Filipinos have won three of the last five Philippine Open editions before last year’s tournament, with Miguel Tabuena prevailing in 2015 and 2018 and Clyde Mondilla winning in 2019.