Dutchman Guido Van der Valk. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Saying his game is “at six at the moment,” Guido Van der Valk is cramming for his defense of the rich The Country Club (TCC) Invitational that tees off on Monday as a compact yet elite field disputes a record purse of P6 million over a layout that, hands-down, is the most demanding in the country.
“I’m very excited and inspired to play TCC after two years,” the Dutchman who has called the Philippines home, said as he seeks to win the 72-hole championship in back-to-back style spread over a three-year period because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Van der Valk turned back the long-hitting Clyde Mondilla in 2020 and he can draw motivation on the fact that no player has repeated here. He’s just having a tough time sharpening his game because Alabang, where he is a member, is holding its blockbuster member-guest tournament this week.
“I know if I play well I can win again. Just got to get my game in shape in the next few days,” stressed Van der Valk. “Swing is slowly progressing to where I want it.”
Only the top 30 players from last year’s circuit and past champions are invited, although three-time winner Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena will not be teeing it up because of commitments abroad.