A Philippine squad armed to the teeth plunges into action in the 31st Nomura Cup on Tuesday, confident it can go toe-to-toe with some of the best countries in the world as it seeks to win the prestigious event for the first time at Bayhood No. 9 International Golf Club in China.
Three of the best amateurs in the country — two recent winners of national titles and the third a runner-up in both events — are upbeat heading into the first round of what is also known as the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship. The Filipinos described the course during Monday’s official practice round as “challenging but fair.”
“The course is pretty challenging, but it will be a fun one,” Shinichi Suzuki, who won the PH Match Play Championship two weeks ago, said after the team’s official practice round. “I like our chances this week because anyone (on the team) can play well on this course.
“We just have to give it our best and let God do His will.”
The Philippines will look to rebound from a forgettable hosting of the event a few years ago. Back then, it finished outside the top 10 at Masters of Manila Southwoods in 2022 before Vietnam bucked the odds with a trio that ruled the event on home soil.
But with a trio that also includes Strokeplay champion Jet Hernandez and Rolando Bregente, the Philippine squad certainly looks formidable on paper.
“I think if we commit to our targets and (be able to) fire at the right spots, we’ll be fine,” the 21-year-old Hernandez said as he fulfills another tour of duty with the national squad before returning to the United States later in the week. “The greens are a little tricky. But we will get used to it as the week goes on.”
Vietnam is the defending champion, having surprised the talented field at Vinpearl Golf Haiphong.
However, only one of the three players who delivered the country its first Nomura Cup will return. Ho Anh Huy breaks in a duo replacing Nguyen Anh Minh and Le Khanh Hung, who both have collegiate commitments in the United States.
“We have a pretty good chance because the course is tough and I have good teammates,” the 24-year-old Bregente said with a slight laugh. “But seriously, it’s us against the course, and it’s a formidable challenger. But we like our chances.”
