Manila, Oct 10 (IANS): Filipino golfer Angelo Que is aiming for the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters presented by 918.com title on his home course, the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, next month.
The 35-year-old, who is a three-time Asian Tour winner, was in contention at the inaugural edition last year where he jointly led the tournament at the halfway stage before his putter went cold on him as he settled for an eventual tied 25th finish.
"It’s always nice playing on home soil. I don’t see it as added pressure to do well and I am happy to see a lot of support from my countrymen. I’m looking forward to play in the Resorts World Manila Masters," said Que.
"Playing at my home club is definitely an advantage because I’ve played a lot there since I was an amateur and I know the course pretty well. I almost did it last year but hopefully, my putter will work out well this time around,” he added.
The local hero said the feeling of winning a home tournament is one of the best experiences a golfer can savour and he hopes to raise the Resorts World trophy to end a four-year winless run on the Asian Tour, which is the region’s premier golf circuit.
“It would mean a lot to win. I would have a chance to chase the leaders on Order of Merit a well,” said Que, who triumphed at the 2008 Philippine Open.
The Resorts World Manila Masters made its debut on the Asian Tour last year with a prize fund of $750,000.
It will offer $1 million to the stars from the region from Nov 20 to 23, with the champion taking home $180,000.
As the richest Asian Tour tournament in the Philippines, Que believes the tournament has created a positive impact on the landscape of professional golf in the country, which stages a total of three Asian Tour events annually.