Clutch finishes lift Miñoza, Singson to Match Play final

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STA. Rosa, Laguna – Martina Miñoza and Mafy Singson stormed into the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational Finals after pulling off tense victories over rivals who refused to yield until the pressure-packed finish at TCC here on Thursday.

Both matches went down to late-hole heroics, underscoring the razor-thin margins and volatility that define elite match play. Miñoza clawed back for a gritty 2&1 decision over Harmie Constantino, while Singson edged Daniella Uy with a clutch birdie on the 17th to secure a 1-up triumph.

The day demanded power, precision and mental toughness with both finalists weathering momentum swings and unrelenting pressure to forge an all-South championship for the P280,000 top purse in the P1.5-million season finale of the 2025 Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Among the two wins, Miñoza’s was the more stunning. Down two holes after eight amid nerves and miscues that ambush players in match play duels, the Del Monte native appeared in danger of unraveling against the more seasoned Constantino.

But Miñoza, carrying a surname steeped in Philippine golf history, rediscovered her composure. She took the ninth, then capitalized again on the 11th to square the match and dramatically shift momentum.

What followed was a tense, three-hole standoff before Miñoza finally grabbed control by winning No. 15. After halving the next, she delivered her biggest shot of the day on the tricky par-3 17th to close out a 2&1 victory.

“I honestly didn’t expect to win, but I believed in my preparation and stayed confident,” said Miñoza, niece of legend Frankie Miñoza.

“Even when I was two down, I kept focusing, trusted my swing and never gave up,” she added.

She credited her father and caddie, Ben, for crucial reads and emotional steadiness on the greens, saying his guidance helped her stay calm and focused.

Miñoza, 24, called her Finals appearance the biggest achievement of her three-year pro career, noting she had briefly paused competitive golf to focus on her studies before returning this year, with her best finish a third place at home in Del Monte.

“Definitely, yes. This is my biggest win so far. Considering the level of competition and how hard I had to work for it, it feels like my most meaningful,” said Miñoza.

Constantino was left to ponder what slipped away – a 2-up cushion after seven holes that seemed to pave her path back to form after a winless season. The former Order of Merit winner had produced stretches of brilliance, but Miñoza’s refusal to fold under pressure ultimately rewrote the script.

“I attribute this victory to disciplined practice and the steadfast support of my family – most notably my father, uncle Frankie and aunt Eva – whose guidance and encouragement have enabled me to continue pursuing the sport,” Miñoza said.

She added she draws motivation from continuous improvement and aims to be a better version of herself each time she competes, while citing her iron play as her strongest weapon, noting it has consistently generated birdie chances throughout the tournament.

Singson’s march to the finals was equally dramatic, with her duel against Uy becoming a tactical, shot-for-shot battle between two of the country’s top talents.

After halving the first seven holes, Singson claimed Nos. 8 and 12, only to see Uy roar back with wins on Nos. 14 and 15 to set up a tense final stretch.

But on the 17th, Singson struck a crisp wedge to within a foot for a tap-in birdie that regained the lead.

They halved the final hole, sealing Singson’s place in the finals a year after exiting in the opening round.

“It was nerve-wracking. We had so many tight battles on the greens,” said Singson, who stayed late the previous day to sharpen her short game.

Looking ahead, the Davaoeña expressed optimism but acknowledged she must fine-tune her approach shots and short-game execution to match Miñoza’s steady play.

“I like how I’m hitting and putting. I just need to polish a few things, especially my approach shots and my shots around the green,” she said. “Martina is a very steady player, so you just have to play well, too. If she plays good, I have to be better.”

“If it’s meant to be, it will be. But I’ll work hard for it,” she added.

Her composure over the final stretch – particularly that decisive birdie on the 17th – mirrored Miñoza’s earlier clutch execution, setting up a finals showdown between two players who proved they could thrive with everything on the line.