Dumdumaya Relishing Prospect of AAC Debut

Manila, Philippines: Jaden Dumdumaya, the Philippines’ top-ranked amateur golfer, reigning Philippine Amateur champion Shinichi Suzuki and Rolando Bregente will spearhead the nation’s challenge at the 17th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC).

At Te Arai Links’ South Course in New Zealand from October 29-November 1, the trio will aim to better Lloyd Jefferson Go’s fourth-place finish at the 2018 edition in Singapore. 

Launched in 2009 by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The R&A and the Masters Tournament, the AAC aims to further develop amateur golf in the region. This year’s champion will receive an invitation to the 2027 Masters Tournament and an exemption into the 155th Open.

While Dumdumaya, 20, and Bregente, 24, will be making their debuts in the championship, it will be the fourth successive occasion that 18-year-old Suzuki has competed at the region’s foremost event for male amateurs.

A junior at the University of Southern California, Dumdumaya successfully defended his title at the Pacific Coast Amateur, an elite US collegiate event, in July en route to being named Big Ten Player of the Year, an award that is voted on by the conference’s coaches.

Dumdumaya, who has risen to 51st in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), said: “It means a lot to play in my first AAC, which is a very prestigious event. I’m really excited to represent my country and carry the flag of the Philippines. Hopefully, I’ll bring some glory back to the Philippines by performing well.

“The opportunities you gain from participating are endless. The opportunity to play in the Masters and The Open is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to competing and hope to bring some good news home.”

Suzuki will head to New Zealand with an eye on the AAC title, confidence boosted by his maiden Philippine Amateur Open victory in August.

Suzuki, who is of mixed Japanese-Filipino parentage, said: “It’s exciting for me to compete in my fourth-straight AAC. I still remember playing in my first in Melbourne like it was yesterday. I’m truly grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to compete again this year.”

The teenager was among a select group who attended the AAC Academy at Te Arai Links in May and credited the experience for helping him break through at his national championship.

Suzuki, who has five WAGR-counting victories on his resume, said: “The Academy has been an important part of my journey, especially this year as it was part of my preparation leading up to my win at the Philippine Amateur. I started the year with some struggles and challenges with my game but after attending the Academy, I started to see my game trending in the right direction. That preparation gave me the confidence and consistency that I needed to win my national Open.

“Hard work, dedication and faith have played a big part in allowing me to compete at this level year after year. With how my game has been progressing, I’m feeling confident about my chances at the AAC this year.”

A total of 117 players from 40 APGC member organisations have been confirmed to date for the 120-man field at the championship.