Laurel: A record 126 players are set to compete in the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Qualifying School, commencing on March 17 at the Splendido Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas. The four-day event offers 30 slots for the PGT season, a 10-leg circuit held at the country's premier championship venues, with each event featuring enhanced international participation and prize purses of at least PHP2 million.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 30 successful qualifiers will join the top 40 players from last season's Order of Merit rankings, including reigning champion Angelo Que, Keanu Jahns, and Fidel Concepcion. The Q-School serves as the entry point for both professionals and amateurs aspiring to join the elite ranks of the PGT.
Among the hopefuls are former leg winner Ira Alido, Ferdie Aunzo, Belem Arancon, and other notable players such as Jobim Carlos and Anthony Fernando. The competition also draws 43 foreign challengers, including South Korea's Kim Tae Won, Japan's Kento Watanabe, and former Q-School medalist Toru Nakajima.
The PGT, supported by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., will officially begin its season with the Lakewood Championship on March 24-27 at Lakewood Golf and Country Club in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. This event will run concurrently with the 54-hole Ladies PGT event, before the circuit resumes on May 19 at Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna.
