Jaraula leads stacked field as ICTSI Bacolod Challenge unwraps

BACOLOD CITY — Reymon Jaraula returns to the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia today not just with cautious optimism, but with confidence built on the memory of a gritty win on the same course last year.

That victory — sealed by a one-stroke edge over Angelo Que in the 2023 ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge — came behind a scorching third-round 63 and a birdie barrage early in the final round.

Jaraula held off a late surge from Que to notch the third win of his professional career spanning over a decade.

Now, as the Philippine Golf Tour returns to the tight par-70 Binitin course for the fifth leg of the season, Jaraula is back in action after skipping Caliraya Springs following a string of modest finishes — tied for 11th at Pradera Verde, joint 19th at Eagle Ridge, and fourth at Forest Hills.

Despite his recent form, the Bukidnon native remains upbeat, relying on his familiarity with a layout that favors precision over power.

Though short in yardage, Binitin is a mental challenge that demands smart decisions and a sharp short game.

The field, however, is as stacked as ever.

Keanu Jahns, who dominated Caliraya Springs by outdueling Que in a final-round shootout, is gunning to become the second player this season to win back-to-back titles.

Jahns, known for his length, is adjusting to Binitin’s narrow fairways with a more conservative approach.

Que, the most consistent player this season, enters as the clear favorite after winning at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge, placing second at Forest Hills, and finishing solo runner-up to Jahns at Caliraya.

Fresh from the Asian Tour’s Indonesia stop, Que is sharp and in top form heading into Bacolod.

Dutchman Guido van der Valk, who snapped a title drought at Forest Hills, is also a key threat thanks to a control-based game well-suited to Binitin’s demands.

Tony Lascuña, a four-time Order of Merit winner, remains a dangerous veteran eager to end a title drought.

The field also includes seasoned contenders like Jhonnel Ababa, Rupert Zaragosa, Fidel Concepcion, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Jay Bayron, and the returning Clyde Mondilla.

Young guns will be pushing for breakthrough performances, with Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, Sean Ramos, Ryan Monsalve, and Russell Bautista all in the hunt.

Adding international depth are American Collin Wheeler and Korean Jisung Cheon, both aiming to upset the local favorites.

Still, much of the focus is on Jaraula.

His professional journey — highlighted by a breakthrough playoff win over Lascuña in 2019 and another title run at Valley in 2023 — has been marked by flashes of brilliance but inconsistent results.

Yet Binitin, with its strategic demands and subtle challenges, consistently brings out his best.