Lloyd Go wins Pradera Verde for back-to-back titles

Lloyd Go mastered a second dramatically different course in as many weeks, capturing the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship in Lubao, Pampanga to complete a rare back-to-back title run on the Philippine Golf Tour.

One week after taming Pinewoods’ steep slopes and severe elevation changes, Go conquered the flatter, longer, and wind-swept fairways of Pradera Verde’s Arayat course.

The Cebuano golfer closed with a one-under-par 71 for a nine-under 279, edging veteran Tony Lascuña by one stroke and earning the PHP 359,000 top prize.

The victory followed Go’s dominant 12-shot triumph at Pinewoods, where he had virtually settled the outcome after the third round.

Pradera Verde presented a different test, with strong winds sweeping across the wide-open layout during the final two days and several proven champions repeatedly threatening Go’s lead.

Go relied on steady ball-striking and a composed front nine to remain ahead of his experienced challengers.

“I played very well yesterday (third round) and I played the front nine today really solid,” said Go of the strong start that kept his experienced rivals at bay. “I had a lot of chances at the back nine but I didn’t really make any putts.”

Go entered the final round carrying momentum from a strong third-round performance and stayed in control despite failing to convert several scoring opportunities on the closing nine.

Lascuña broke a string of back-nine pars with a birdie at the final hole to card a 70 and finish second at eight-under 280, earning PHP 234,000.

The result was Lascuña’s second runner-up finish after he previously lost by one stroke to Angelo Que in a dramatic late-hole duel at Caliraya Springs.

Keanu Jahns launched a late charge by birdieing three of five holes beginning at No. 9.

Bogeys on Nos. 15 and 16 stopped Jahns’ rally, leaving him with a 71 and sole third place at six-under 282.

Clyde Mondilla, who began the day in second place, struggled to recover from a front-nine 38 and finished with a 74 for fourth at five-under 283.

Que shot a two-over-par round and placed fifth at three-under 285.

Jhonnel Ababa matched par with a 72 to share sixth at two-under 286 with Rupert Zaragosa, who closed with a 76.

Randy Garalde, tied for third with Zaragosa and only two strokes behind Go after 54 holes, stumbled to a 79 and dropped to 10th at one-over 289.

Go strengthened his lead with two birdies over the first 13 holes as his closest pursuers struggled to sustain their comeback bids.

A mistake on the par-4 14th failed to derail Go, who continued making pars to preserve control of the tournament.

Go carried a two-shot advantage to the par-5 18th but still had to remain cautious after Lascuña knocked his approach close and created a birdie opportunity.

“I kept making par at the back, so I knew I still have control but I never clinched it until the very end,” said Go, who wisely settled for a routine par to seal a one-shot victory.

Rain and gusty winds added difficulty during a final round that rewarded patience and disciplined course management.

“The course is tough today. It’s raining and it’s windy, so it’s good to finish one-under for the day,” Go said.

The victory highlighted Go’s ability to adjust after winning consecutive tournaments on courses with sharply contrasting demands.

“I made very big adjustments. Pinewoods is shorter and Pradera is longer, so my mid-irons this week were really important and I did really well the last couple of days,” he said.

Pinewoods rewarded precision and creativity on mountainous terrain, while Pradera Verde placed greater emphasis on distance control, patience, and decision-making in the wind.

Go credited the strength of his overall game for allowing him to succeed under both conditions.

“Winning these two tournaments only showed that my game has been very good overall. All aspects of my game have been good right now,” he said.

Despite winning twice in consecutive tournaments, Go said he had not entered either event expecting to lift the trophy.

“I just wanted to play well. It’s hard to win two times and in consecutive tournaments, so it’s really a big accomplishment,” he said.

For Philippine golf followers, Go’s two victories offer evidence that his form can translate across different course designs rather than depending on one favorable setup.

The back-to-back titles also give Go momentum and renewed confidence before the Asian Tour resumes in September.

Go will now attempt to carry the adaptability, composure, and all-around consistency he displayed at Pinewoods and Pradera Verde into stronger international competition.