Buenaventura leads UP title defense in ICTSI Splendido leg

Joshua Buenaventura aims to sustain his winning form as the ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Tour resumes today, July 27, at the Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

The University of the Philippines-1 standout will lead his team in pursuit of back-to-back victories in both individual and team divisions.

The 18-hole tournament is set on the challenging Greg Norman-designed layout carved into the Grand Taal mountain ridges, offering scenic views of Taal Volcano and Lake, but demanding precision and endurance with its undulating fairways and water hazards.

Buenaventura, joined by teammates Miggy Roque and Emilio Carpio, powered UP-1’s sweep of the opening round at Royal Northwoods in Bulacan.

He fired a 69 to edge La Salle-1’s Zachary Castro by two strokes, while Ateneo-2’s Ricardo Joson placed third with a 73.

“Hopefully, we’ll do even better in the next round,” said Buenaventura.

“We have high expectations, and with more training, we’re aiming for another championship.”

La Salle and Ateneo are expected to challenge UP’s dominance, having intensified preparations after settling for second and third place in Round 1.

Castro will again team up with Jose Lorenzo Flores and Miguel Fusilero for La Salle-1, while Joson, who delivered a hole-in-one in Round 1, will lead Ateneo-2 with Matthew Mendoza and Juan Escaño Jr.

The event follows a three-to-play, two-to-count format.

Other contenders include Sean Granada (College of St. Benilde-1), Arvin Ong (La Salle-2), Emilio Curran (Ateneo-1), Marc Velasco (UST-2), Ferdinand Lagman (La Salle-3), Lucas Aldeguer (La Salle-2), and David Guangko (CSB-1).

UP, La Salle, Ateneo, CSB, and Mapua are fielding three teams each in the four-leg series co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation.

Enderun Colleges will be represented by Kyle Raquino, Thomas Shim, and Matthew Viray.

Round 2 of the women’s division will take place on Aug. 9 at Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna.

Ranking points will be awarded to the top eight teams and individuals: 15, 12, and 10 for the top three, followed by 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 for those placing fourth to eighth.

The best two results across the four-leg series will determine the top three teams and individuals—including independents—who will advance to the Grand Finals on Sept. 23–25, also at Splendido Taal.