Lumbo seeks breakthrough as Miñoza joins Pueblo field

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Jeffren Lumbo returns to the Philippine Golf Tour after back-to-back runner-up finishes, looking to convert two near-misses into a breakthrough victory at the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship beginning Monday, Oct. 12, at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

The Sarangani golfer faces a talent-laden field in the PHP 2.5 million championship, with recent winners Art Arbole and Jhonnel Ababa among the leading contenders and veteran Frankie Miñoza adding star power to the four-day tournament.

Lumbo had two strong opportunities to claim his second career PGT victory in the circuit’s last two stops.

Late-hole mistakes and uneven finishes, however, proved costly as Arbole captured his maiden PGT title in Negros Occidental before Ababa ended a two-year title drought with his victory in Iloilo.

The consecutive setbacks came after Lumbo had put together four strong rounds in both tournaments before falling short under pressure.

Rather than dwell on the defeats, Lumbo is focused on sharpening the decision-making and composure required to close out tight tournaments.

“Hindi ko na iniisip ’yung back-to-back second place ko papunta ng Pueblo de Oro. Basta focus lang ako sa laro ko at mag-enjoy,” said Lumbo.

“Sana lang mag-click lahat para may chance na manalo,” he added.

Lumbo enters Pueblo de Oro backed by a strong run of results.

He captured his maiden PGT crown in last year’s season-ending ICTSI South Pacific Championship after defeating Russell Bautista in a dramatic five-hole playoff.

Lumbo has since posted three Top 10 finishes in the first five legs of the current season, including a runner-up finish to Lloyd Go at Pinewoods.

His recent performances suggest another victory could be within reach if he can sustain his sharp play over the closing holes.

Lumbo’s bid for redemption will be tested by the players who denied him in his previous two starts.

Arbole and Ababa will try to build on the momentum from their recent victories and mount another title charge.

Miñoza, meanwhile, brings added interest with a rare appearance in the PGT field.

One of Philippine golf’s most accomplished players, the veteran will test himself against a new generation of professionals and rising talents.

His participation also adds another storyline to a field featuring established Tour winners, emerging contenders and promising amateurs.

Keanu Jahns is also returning to the circuit after narrowly missing advancement in DP World Tour Qualifying.

Jahns joins a strong lineup that includes former Tour standouts Clyde Mondilla, Rupert Zaragosa, Zanieboy Gialon and Guido van der Valk.

Tony Lascuña and Reymon Jaraula also return with added motivation.

The pair disputed the crown when Pueblo de Oro last hosted a PGT leg in 2019, with Jaraula emerging victorious.

The Del Monte native will get another chance to contend on familiar territory.

Lascuña, the Tour’s only five-time Order of Merit winner, enters the tournament following a confidence-boosting victory in a recent senior event.

Dino Villanueva, Collin James Ryan Lam, Nilo Salahog, Randy Garalde, Ira Alido, Elee Bisera, Jerson Balasabas and veteran Jay Bayron further strengthen the field.

Filipino-American bets Jeremy Tandoy and Ivan Yabut will also compete alongside foreign campaigners Lee Song, Collin Wheeler, Kim Tae Soo and Miki Ryoma.

Ryoma enters the tournament following a strong showing in Iloilo, where he demonstrated the form to contend against the Tour’s leading players.

The championship will also showcase emerging talent, with leading amateurs Jed Dy, Jacob Rolida and John Bernis joining Junior PGT standouts Vito Sarines and Ralph Batican.

With Lumbo seeking to erase the sting of two near-misses, recent champions looking to extend their winning runs and Miñoza joining the field, the Pueblo de Oro Championship shapes up as another test of skill, nerve and consistency.

For Lumbo, the objective is clear: turn his recent strong performances into a second PGT title.