Bruce Rallies Late to Capture First Pro Title

Sam Bruce made a stunning debut on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, delivering a sensational late-game surge to clinch her first professional title.

The 24-year-old Seattle University product displayed poise, resilience, and elite shot-making, sealing the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship with a birdie-birdie finish for a final-round 66 at the wind-swept Pinatubo course on Wednesday.

The victory marked a defining moment for Bruce, who honed her skills on the European Tour last year. Having never won a professional event before, she proved her championship mettle by overcoming a rollercoaster battle down the stretch.

With the wind dictating play and the lead shifting hands, Bruce rose to the occasion with clutch putts on Nos. 16 and 17, cementing her two-shot triumph with a 54-hole total of 6-under 210.

“This win really means a lot,” Bruce said. “I’ve come close before, but to finally get this first win—especially at home—feels incredible.”

Bruce, a mathematics major at Seattle University, turned professional in 2023 and has set her sights on the Epson Tour this season. Her dominant performance at Pradera Verde signals the emergence of a potential star whose game continues to evolve with every tournament.

After steady rounds of 72-72, Bruce saved her best for last, carding a bogey-free front nine with four birdies before adding a fifth on No. 10 to grab the lead. She stumbled with a lone bogey on No. 13 but never lost her composure.

With the title on the line, she delivered a dazzling finish, sinking long birdie putts on Nos. 16 and 17 while her closest rivals, Daniella Uy and Seoyun Kim, fell just short despite strong performances.

Bruce’s final tally of 6 under edged out Uy and Kim, who tied for second at 212 after rounds of 70 and 69, respectively.

“I really felt in control of my putting today,” Bruce said. “Those long putts in the final holes made all the difference.”

Her ability to handle pressure and execute in critical moments underscores her potential for greater achievements.

“This win gives me even more motivation,” she added.

Sarah Ababa fired a flawless, bogey-free 68 to secure fourth place at 217, while Chanelle Avaricio mounted a strong comeback with a 70, tying Tiffany Lee for fifth at 219.

Lee, who had been tied with Uy at the top after 36 holes, struggled early, carding a double bogey and two bogeys in her first eight holes. She recovered with three birdies over the next eight holes but faltered at the finish, closing with a bogey and a costly triple bogey after finding the water twice.

It was a tough blow for the 16-year-old rising star, who had previously stunned the pro field as an amateur by winning the Lakewood Championship and capturing her first pro title at Splendido Taal.

Mafy Singson shot a 74 to finish seventh at 220, while Martina Miñoza placed eighth at 223 after a 73. Mikha Fortuna followed at 224 after consecutive rounds of 76.

Meanwhile, Princess Superal, Chihiro Ikeda, and Florence Bisera all carded 74s, tying for 10th at 225.

But the day ultimately belonged to Bruce, who credited her breakthrough victory to her long game and wedge shots, delivering the kind of composed, clutch performance that defines champions.

“I made sure to position myself well on the fairways—not necessarily attacking every drive, but focusing on giving myself as many birdie opportunities as possible,” she said.

Beyond her putting, she highlighted the key role of her approach shots.

“My wedges really set me up for a lot of birdie chances,” she added.

The win was especially meaningful for Bruce, who reflected on the challenges of her professional journey.

“It feels really good. I’ve been a pro for a year and a half now, and sometimes you can play really well, but others play even better, and you don’t win,” she said.

“But today, everything just clicked. I was able to play my best, and it’s an incredible feeling to finally clinch the victory.”

With her maiden title now in the books, Bruce has firmly established herself as one to watch. As she sets her sights on bigger stages, her blend of skill, mental fortitude, and relentless drive suggests this is only the beginning of a promising career.