Fortune smiles on Gwon in claiming maiden triumph
From being in Qualifying School of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) more than a year ago, South Korea’s Minwook Gwon is now the newly minted champion of the circuit’s biggest local tournament.
The 23-year-old made the most out of the chance that came his way on Friday when he pipped Dutchman Guido van der Valk in the first hole of their sudden death playoff with a par to win the P6-million The Country Club (TCC) Invitational and break through in a huge way in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
“I really wanted to win my first pro tournament. I feel great that I did it in the biggest event on the Philippine Golf Tour,” said Gwon, who picked up the game as an 8-year-old at Riviera Golf Club in Silang.
Gwon said that, after closing out with a three-under-par 69 for a 291 total over the demanding TCC layout, “a second- or third-place finish was good enough for me” as Van der Valk headed to the 18th tee mound on the flight behind holding a two-shot cushion.
Making a mess
But Van der Valk, who was seeking to win this event a record-tying third time, made a mess out of his 72nd hole to sign for a double bogey 6, before finding the water at the back of the green in the playoff for a bogey that gave the Korean his maiden pro win.
“I thought I [already] had no chance to win,” said Gwon.
Reymon Jaraula fired a 72 for 293, LJ Go shot a 76 for a 295 total, finishing fourth, while Japan’s Kakeru Ozeki placed fifth at 296 after a 72. Aidric Chan (76) and Clyde Mondilla (77) shared sixth at 297.
It was one of the most unpredictable finishes in the 21-year history of the event, and it was particularly painful for the Manila-based Van der Valk, who played while mourning the death of his father, Wouter.
“I was trying to win it for him,” said Van der Valk, whose old man passed away two weeks ago. “Hopefully, I get another chance [like this in the coming years].”
Only the top 30 players from last year’s PGT Order of Merit race were invited to the elite event, making this victory sweet for Gwon, who had his parents watching all 73 holes.
“Having them here makes this win even more meaningful,” Gwon said.
