CARMONA, Cavite -- Aguri Iwasaki returned to the country for the first time in five years, and after two days of official practice rounds for the $500,000 Smart Infinity Open, the Japanese who has very strong ties with host club Manila Southwoods finds everything to still be in place.

"Nothing [has] changed. [It's] still very difficult," Iwasaki said, referring to the Masters layout that will challenge some of the best in the Asian Tour starting Thursday, Jan. 23. "[It's been] five years. [The course] is still beautiful [but] very hard, especially if [it] becomes windy."

Iwasaki can be considered a true home bet, having represented Southwoods in many team tournaments like the Fil-Am and the Philippine Airlines Interclub together with another Japanese, Yuto Katsuragawa, who is now a star on the DP World Tour.

"Three," Iwasaki said while holding up that many fingers, when asked how many team titles he helped Southwoods win in the Interclub. "After that, [I turned] pro. But [this is very much] my home. [I have] lots of friends here."

The winner of the Japan Open of the lucrative Japan Tour in 2023, Iwasaki also returns as a bonafide star in the region. Yet, he still refuses to put a number on what it would take to win the revival of Asia's oldest national championship.

"Par-70, [it will be] very hard," he said as he played the well-manicured course two strokes less than he is used to for the first time on Monday. "Especially if winds come."

Another Southwoods product in Angelo Que, the 2008 champion, said that local knowledge will definitely come into play starting Thursday, especially if the elements become demanding.

"The good thing going for us is that we (those familiar with the course) know where to miss," he said. "It will take a long time to acquire that, while we have innate knowledge of that. Two practice rounds won't give you that."

Organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines president Martin Lorenzo has practically declared the tournament a go, starting with the Pro-Am where more than 100 four-man teams will be playing on Wednesday.

"Good luck to all the players," Lorenzo said. "To our Filipino players, play with passion and make our country proud. May this historic tournament bring out your best. Mabuhay."