Fleetwood, Nocum Share Lead in LPGT Forest Hills Opener

ANTIPOLO – Kristine Fleetwood and Kayla Nocum delivered surprise performances in the opening round of the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic, sharing the lead with identical one-under-par 70s at the demanding Nicklaus course Tuesday.

Fleetwood, unfamiliar with leading a Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) field, surged into contention with an eagle on the par-5 16th that highlighted a strong back-nine 34.

Despite late-round nerves, she tallied three birdies to offset four bogeys for a 36-34 card.

“It was quite a relief,” said Fleetwood, who reached the par-5 green with a superb 5-iron to within six feet.

“I was trying to save pars coming in but started putting pressure on myself. After each bogey, I just tried to cover it up with a birdie.”

Previously finishing 13th and 24th in LPGT events at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge, Fleetwood admitted surprise at her performance.

Her erratic front nine—birdie-bogey-birdie-bogey-bogey-birdie-bogey—reflected the tightrope she walked to stay in the lead.

She credited her support system, particularly her mother, and hoped for a more stable showing in Round 2.

“I just want to make more putts and save pars on holes where I miss the green in regulation,” she added.

Nocum, meanwhile, matched Fleetwood’s 70 with a bogey-free round built on consistency and solid course management.

Starting on the 10th, she birdied her first hole despite a poor drive, recovering with a well-placed third shot from 195 yards that led to a 12-foot conversion.

She parred the rest of her round, displaying patience and poise on the undulating layout.

“I hit a lot of fairways and gave myself good birdie looks, but the putts just wouldn’t drop,” said Nocum, who played through an ankle injury sustained two weeks earlier.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d even be able to play. I was just focusing on staying steady and playing my game.”

On her second-round mindset, she said, “Be patient. I was glad I had the strength and discipline to commit to my shots, especially when the wind picked up.”

Just one shot back is rising star Mafy Singson, who fired an even-par 71 with birdies on Nos. 13 and 16 offsetting bogeys on 2 and 6.

Fresh off a playoff win over Florence Bisera at Eagle Ridge last March, Singson remains a serious contender in the PHP1 million event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

One-over-par 72s were posted by veterans Chanelle Avaricio and Princess Superal, along with Gretchen Villacencio.

Avaricio, formerly dominant before her U.S. stint, overcame a triple bogey on No. 12 with three birdies and a bogey.

Superal, who previously topped the local circuit before competing in Japan, stayed within reach with a steady effort featuring one birdie and two bogeys.

Villacencio also stayed in the hunt, offsetting a double bogey on No. 11 with two birdies and a bogey.

Trailing by three shots at 73 are Sarah Ababa, Velinda Castil, Tiffany Lee, Pamela Mariano, and multi-Order of Merit winner Harmie Constantino.

One more stroke back at 74 are Mikha Fortuna, Apple Fudolin, and Chihiro Ikeda.

Bisera and Martina Miñoza struggled to 75s.

With two rounds remaining in the PHP1-million, 54-hole tournament sponsored by ICTSI and supported by official apparel Kampfortis Golf, a tight race is shaping up between rising talents and seasoned LPGT veterans at the Nicklaus-designed layout.