Back to news
New dad, same drive: Keanu Jahns back at Forest Hills for title defense
@Source: tribune.net.ph
ANTIPOLO – Keanu Jahns is back where it all began — and this time, he’s playing with a little more purpose.The 29-year-old Fil-German golfer returns to Forest Hills Golf and Country Club — the site of his breakthrough win last year — not with lofty expectations, but with a quiet determination to go back-to-back at the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic, which tees off today, Tuesday, June 3.“I’m not really expecting anything, as usual,” Jahns said with a calm shrug on the eve of the tournament. “I just try to stay in the present. I know that if I can do that, I usually play my best.”It was right here at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course where Jahns stunned the field, edging out Rupert Zaragosa by two shots to claim his first-ever title on the Philippine Golf Tour. But since then, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. He opened 2024 with a promising T-6 finish at Pradera Verde, but slipped to a tie for 17th at Eagle Ridge.Still, he’s staying optimistic — and grounded.“I’m pretty confident,” he said. “As long as I can manage the course well enough, I know I can put up some good numbers.”And these days, Jahns isn’t just playing for himself.Since becoming a father last November, golf has taken on a new meaning.“Of course, I’ve been more motivated since my daughter’s birth,” he said, smiling. “She’s been a huge inspiration.”But life as a new dad comes with its own set of challenges — including finding time to practice. Jahns admitted he hasn’t logged many on-course reps leading up to his title defense.“I’ve been busy with work, so I haven’t had much time for practice rounds,” he said. “But I’ve been grinding on the Trackman — dialing in my distances, really focusing on my driver. That’s something I struggled with in the first two events.”Forest Hills is no walk in the park. The course’s tight fairways, elevation changes, and slick greens demand precision and a clear head. Fortunately, Jahns has a plan — the same one that won him the title last year.“Same strategy,” he said. “I wouldn’t call it conservative — more like smart-aggressive. I play with my natural miss in mind, and as long as I can keep my FIRs and GIRs up and roll the putter well, I know I can score.”But Jahns knows he’ll have to dig deep to repeat.Angelo Que is gunning for a rare hat-trick after back-to-back wins at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge. He’ll be joined by a loaded cast of veterans — Tony Lascuña, Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, Ira Alido, Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gialon, and Zaragosa — all capable of taking the crown.Young guns are also out to shake things up. Aidric Chan, fresh off a win on the Asian Development Tour, leads the charge with Carl Corpus, Ryan Monsalve, Dan Cruz, Leandro Bagtas, and Korean standout Hyun Ho Rho.And then there’s Justin Quiban — a three-time PGT champion — returning from his Asian Tour campaign to test himself once more on home soil.A strong group of international players, including Tae Soo Kim, Atsushi Ueda, Toru Nakajima, and others, adds even more firepower to what’s shaping up to be a thrilling four-day battle for the P2.5 million purse.With a deep field and a demanding course as the stage, expect drama, momentum swings, and moments that define championship golf.Whether it’s a veteran chasing legacy, a young star chasing their moment, or a new dad chasing one more reason to celebrate — Forest Hills is ready.
Related News
14 Feb, 2025
ΓΙΟΒΕΤΙΤΣ: «Είτε 1-0, είτε 1-1, θα ήταν . . .
11 Apr, 2025
PSL X commences in Rawalpindi with dazzl . . .
20 Mar, 2025
Rachel Zegler claims West Side Story bos . . .
02 Mar, 2025
War machine funding: Zelensky gets $3.5 . . .
17 May, 2025
Aston Villa Goalkeeper’s Goodbye Hints A . . .
30 May, 2025
Driver charged with causing grievous bod . . .
22 May, 2025
The Aussie coach who changed his tune on . . .
25 Apr, 2025
Laxer3.JPG