Power, precision define ICTSI Pradera Verde golf

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LUBAO, Pampanga — The Philippine Golf Tour shifts from the mountain test of Pinewoods to the expansive Arayat course of Pradera Verde this week, where power off the tee is expected to take on greater importance in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship beginning today, July 7.

The PHP 2 million championship, the fourth leg of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., will be played on a 7,314-yard layout that appears more attackable than Pinewoods but is expected to test players with strong winds, demanding approach shots, and the need for disciplined course management.

Unlike Pinewoods, where accuracy often outweighed distance, Pradera Verde gives longer hitters more chances to attack.

The course, however, can punish poor execution, making the tournament a test of judgment as much as power.

Pinewoods champion Lloyd Go enters the event as the player to watch after a commanding win in Baguio, where he fired a 16-under 272 to finish 12 shots ahead of Jeffren Lumbo.

“Going back-to-back would be special,” said Go. “But I know it won’t be easy. The competition is tough but my focus this week is to believe in my preparation, stick to my game plan and stay patient.”

Go’s Pinewoods victory was one of the most dominant performances on the Tour in recent years.

The Cebuano ace earned his second PGT title by methodically navigating a demanding mountain course that frustrated much of the field.

“I believe that if I execute my game plan, I’ll have a good chance,” he said.

Go will again deal with an unfamiliar venue, as his first look at Pradera Verde will come only during Monday’s official practice round.

“I haven’t played Pradera Verde,” he said. “I’ll do my practice round on Monday and that will only be the first time I’ll be seeing the course.”

Go said the short preparation window does not worry him.

“I heard the course is in great shape and difficult, so I’m excited to see it. Then I’ll make quick adjustments from there to prepare for Tuesday’s first round,” he said.

Despite his momentum, Go said he remains aware of how quickly conditions and fortunes can shift in tournament golf.

“We all know golf can change quickly,” he said. “I’ll take it one shot at a time, stay focused and avoid taking risky shots. If I do that, I like my chances.”

Defending champion Angelo Que returns to Pradera Verde after winning last year’s championship on the Pinatubo course.

Que’s 2025 victory helped propel him to his first Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit crown.

Lumbo will try to build on his runner-up finish in Baguio.

Fidel Concepcion will seek to sustain the form that produced a closing 69 and a third-place finish at Pinewoods.

Veterans Tony Lascuña and Clyde Mondilla are also expected to contend, especially on a course where length off the tee could become a significant advantage.

Rupert Zaragosa, Dino Villanueva, Elee Bisera, Lee Song, Guido van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula, and Carl Corpus are also in the field.

The men’s championship is expected to reward players who can combine early aggression with control under potentially windy conditions.

In the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, Chanelle Avaricio returns to competition with renewed confidence after a dramatic comeback victory in Baguio.

Avaricio will chase a second straight title in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship, the PHP 750,000 fourth leg of this year’s LPGT season, also beginning Tuesday at the Arayat course.

The women’s event shifts from Pinewoods’ tight, uphill layout to a longer venue where power, precision, and decision-making are expected to be equally important.

Pradera Verde may appear more scoreable on paper, but its hazards, bunkers, and changing winds are expected to challenge even the most accomplished players in the field.

Avaricio rallied from five strokes behind in the final round at Pinewoods to beat Harmie Constantino and Tiffany Lee by one shot.

The victory marked Avaricio’s successful return to the winner’s circle and pushed her back into serious contention for the season-long Order of Merit title.

Avaricio opened her campaign with a seventh-place finish at Lakewood and skipped the Caliraya Springs stop.

Despite the momentum, Avaricio is not taking the Pradera Verde test lightly.

The multi-title campaigner stressed that patience, commitment, and focus remain essential because every course presents different demands.

Constantino, who won the Caliraya Springs leg before falling one stroke short at Pinewoods, will look to regain her winning form.

Lee will seek redemption after losing a four-shot lead in Baguio and running out of holes despite a late charge.

Yvon Bisera, Daniella Uy, Mafy Singson, and Princess Superal are also expected to contend in what shapes up as another open title chase.

Success in the 54-hole tournament could hinge on finding the right balance between aggressive play and disciplined course management, particularly if wind becomes a major factor.

The championship could also produce a breakthrough LPGT winner.

Martina Miñoza, Marvi Monsalve, Pamela Mariano, Kayla Nocum, Rev Alcantara, Angela Mangana, and Monica Mandario will try to turn scoring chances into a maiden LPGT victory.

Veterans Chihiro Ikeda and Gretchen Villacencio remain dangerous contenders as they seek the all-around performance needed to return to title contention.