The revival of the Philippine Open at Manila Southwoods later this month will feature at least one bona fide Japan Golf Tour standout, who will be returning to the very course that helped hone his skills nearly a decade ago as a budding amateur.
Aguri Iwasaki, the 2023 Japan Open champion and world No. 376, has confirmed his participation as one of the host club’s direct invites.
Iwasaki previously represented Southwoods and was instrumental in securing two Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub titles for the club.
“He’s coming home, sort of,” said Jerome Delariarte, Southwoods’ assistant general manager and a former champion professional, after receiving confirmation from the two-time Japan Tour winner. “Aguri is very excited to return and compete here, especially in an event as prestigious as the Philippine Open. He’s definitely one of the players to watch that week.”
Iwasaki was part of a formidable Southwoods trio during his amateur years, alongside now-PGA Tour star Tom Kim and DP World Tour standout Yuto Katsuragawa.
However, Katsuragawa had to decline this year’s invitation due to prior commitments on the former European Tour.
“Aguri has a well-rounded game, and it’s one that can win a tournament as big as the Philippine Open,” Delariarte added.
The top stars of the Asian Tour will also be flying in to compete in Asia’s oldest national championship, set for January 23-26 at the world-class Masters layout.
Former champions Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que will lead the local contingent.
Meanwhile, three more slots in the tournament will be up for grabs on Sunday in an 18-hole qualifier for club members and accredited professionals.
This additional slot was made available after Juvic Pagunsan declined the host club’s invitation just before Christmas.
The $500,000 (approximately ₱29 million), 72-hole championship will serve as the kickoff event for the 2025 Asian Tour season, held at the sprawling Carmona complex.
Iwasaki, who won the Japan Open by two strokes over Japanese superstar Ryo Ishikawa, is also pursuing opportunities on the premier PGA Tour. The 27-year-old is set to conduct his practice rounds on January 19 and 20 in preparation for the tournament.
