PGT winners brace for fierce Negros showdown in season finale

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BACOLOD – The final leg of this year’s 10-leg Philippine Golf Tour kicks off today (Tuesday, Oct. 22) at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here, setting the stage for a furious battle as this year’s previous leg winners chase the elusive second title of the season.

Reymon Jaraula enters the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic brimming with confidence following his dramatic one-stroke victory in Binitin last week, where a crucial par-saving putt on the 72nd hole allowed him to edge veteran Angelo Que.

Now, the Bukidnon ace aims to become the only player to win twice this season, a feat that has proved elusive for his fellow champions.

That quest for a second win has been a persistent challenge for previous victors. Jhonnel Ababa, for example, secured a dramatic playoff victory in the season-opening Apo Classic but has struggled to claim another title since.

Similarly, Lloyd Go, fresh off a win at Palos Verdes, has yet to contend in a couple of PGT tournaments after honing his skills in Japan.

Other top contenders include Clyde Mondilla, whose commanding victory at Caliraya Springs had many expecting a follow-up win, and Que, the Philippine Masters winner, who came close to forcing a playoff against Jaraula last week before Jaraula’s decisive par save.

Young players like Sean Ramos and Keanu Jahns also face the challenge of proving that their first career wins were no work of a chance, while veteran players such as Tony Lascuna, who foiled Jahns in harsh conditions at Splendido Taal, and Gialon, despite his dominance in Iloilo, seek redemption in this week’s championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

Jaraula, Lascuña and Que are set to tee off at 8:20 a.m. on the first hole, following closely behind the group of Mondilla, Ramos and Jahns. These two pairings promise to deliver some of the most thrilling and highly anticipated matchups as they kick off the action.

With experienced veterans and rising stars going head-to-head, fans can expect intense competition and a showcase of high-level golf right from the start. Both groups feature players known for their resilience and competitive spirit, setting the stage for a captivating opening to the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ira Alido returns to the same venue where he pulled off a stunning comeback last year, overcoming a five-stroke deficit to edge out Lascuña and Rupert Zaragosa with a clutch birdie putt on the 72nd hole.

However, since then, Alido has encountered both internal and external challenges, particularly in his pursuit of a second victory. While he has contended in multiple PGT events and sharpened his skills on the Asian Development and Asian Tours, another win has remained just out of reach.

Still, Alido remains determined, working on all aspects of his game and staying hungry for success.

With eight of this year’s nine champions in the field, plus the defending titlist, the former Marapara layout promises a thrilling four-day test of shotmaking, power, strategy and nerves in what promises to be a dramatic finish to a season filled with twists and surprises.

Uy, Avaricio lead chase in Match Play berths

Meanwhile, the ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic kicking off today (Tuesday) here is not only a race for leg honors but also a critical event where Ladies PGT players are battling to secure their spots in the highly anticipated Match Play Championship.

This tournament is the last chance for many to firm up their rankings, with the top 16 advancing to head-to-head matchups, marking the culmination of the grueling 10-leg nationwide series that has taken competitors to some of the country’s premier courses.

With the Match Play Championship set for Nov. 26-29 at The Country Club in Laguna, players are eager to either secure their top 16 positions or break into the final cut, knowing this will be their shot at glory and a fitting conclusion to the LPGT season.

For those already in the top 10 of the Order of Merit rankings, a spot is virtually assured, but the battle for the remaining six slots is expected to be fiercely competitive, as several players vie to secure their place.

Key contenders include Kristine Fleetwood, Daniella Uy, Laurea Duque, Lee Ji-won, Rev Alcantara and Chanelle Avaricio, all of whom are currently in the top 16. However, players like Pamela Mariano, Kayla Nocum and Lucy Landicho – ranked 17th to 19th, respectively, – are hoping for strong finishes to make a late push into the finals. Every stroke will matter as they look to clinch their spots in the knockout format.

Uy, fresh off a thrilling victory over Avaricio in the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge, enters the competition as the player to watch. She will tee off alongside Duque and Lee at 8:20 a.m. on the 10th hole of the Marapara course.

Meanwhile, Avaricio remains confident as she begins her round at 8:30 a.m., also starting on the 10th hole. Avaricio is hoping to repeat her 2023 triumph at Negros, where she staged a remarkable final-round surge to overcome an eight-stroke deficit and secure the title.

Also worth watching is Princess Superal, a seasoned champion both on the LPGT and in international competition. The Japan Step Up Tour campaigner, who will tee off at 8:50 a.m., has yet to claim a victory this season despite numerous strong showings.

Her pedigree includes wins in the LPGT and a historic victory at the Asia Pacific Cup, where she defeated some of the world’s major champions. Joining her in this week’s field are several other top players, including Mikha Fortuna, Marvi Monsalve, Florence Bisera, Gretchen Villacencio, Chihiro Ikeda, three-time leg winner Harmie Constantino and two-time leg champion Sarah Ababa.

The stakes are high as this event marks the final leg of the LPGT season. With so much on the line and a wide-open field, the race to the Match Play Championship is guaranteed to be thrilling from start to finish.