As a promising amateur where he won back-to-back Philippine Amateur Open titles in 2000 and 2001, Filipino Angelo Que knew he had what it takes to reach the higher echelons of the game.

He turned professional in 2003 and earned his card in Asia by finishing tied second in the Qualifying School. The Asian Tour beckoned for Que, who still retains the same jovial and friendly disposition when he first made his debut on Tour.

As the Asian Tour celebrates its milestone 10th season after establishing itself as a players’ organisation in 2004, Que reflects fondly on the past decade.

*Video recording of Que is also available on www.asiantour.com

Can you reflect on the past 10 years? How different was the Tour back in 2004 as compared to now?

The Tour is way bigger now as compared to 10 years ago. The standards have also improved a lot and as players, we are more unified and getting more involved in the running of the Tour now.

When the Tour was first launched as a players’ organisation, were there many skeptics who felt that the Tour would not last beyond one year?

Of course, there would be people who would say the Tour will not last beyond a year or so. But we believed in it and placed our trust in it and that everything would be okay.

What was your own reaction when you learnt of that the Asian Tour was going to be structured as a players’ organisation back in 2004?

I was still a rookie back then and I was more focused on playing tournaments. I didn’t know much and left many of the decisions to the Tour management. I’m very proud of how far we have come and having the opportunities to play in so many tournaments all over the world.

From stepping up to the tee 10 years ago till today, how have you developed as a player and what have you learnt about yourself?

I would say that I’ve become more laid-back but I’ve become a better player as compared to the days when I first started.

What were the best moments for you on Tour?

Winning my first event which was the Carlsberg Masters in Vietnam in 2004.

Lowest point in your professional career?

It would have to be my first year on Tour where I failed to keep my card by a few thousand dollars.

Having played on the Asian Tour for so long, which is your favourite country?

Singapore and Malaysia. I always fly to Singapore where I’ve got a lot of friends and for Malaysia, it’s because I play well there all the time.

What is the one thing that has kept you going after more than a decade playing on the Asian Tour?

I love playing golf, playing with my friends on Tour and also making money at the same time!

You must have made lots of friends over the last decade on the Asian Tour. Who would you count as your best buddies on Tour?

Lam Chih Bing, Unho Park, Zaw Moe and Anthony Kang. We pretty much hang out as much as we can as a group all the time.

What would you like to see more of in the next 10 years on the Asian Tour?

Looking at the way things are going, I believe the Tour will get stronger and bigger. Hopefully we’ll also get more full-field Asian Tour events in the next 10 years.

About Angelo

Country: Philippines

Date of Birth: December 3, 1978

Residence: Manila

Turned Pro: 2003

Family: Married, Wife: Tracy

ASIAN TOUR VICTORIES: (3) 2004 Carlsberg Masters Vietnam, 2008 Philippine Open, 2010 Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters, Malaysia.

OTHER WINS: (2) 2008 & 2009 ICTSI Mt Malayarat Championship, Philippines.

AMATEUR WINS: (2) 2001 and 2002 Philippine Amateur Championship.