Pueblo de Oro sets stage for LPGT Order of Merit race

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A first Order of Merit crown is within Yvon Bisera’s reach, but Harmie Constantino stands in the way as the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour heads into the final three legs of the season.

Bisera and Constantino lead a talented field in the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship, which gets underway Monday, Oct. 12, at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

The PHP 1.25 million championship opens a three-leg Mindanao swing that will decide not only the remaining tournament titles but also the season’s coveted Order of Merit crown.

Armed with two victories and three other strong finishes, Bisera has built a commanding position atop the season-long rankings with total earnings of PHP 439,150.

The margin, however, leaves little room for complacency with Constantino, a former Order of Merit champion, mounting a determined bid to reclaim the distinction she won in 2024.

Constantino sits second with PHP 377,100 after also scoring a runaway victory at Caliraya Springs.

The final three legs offer enough opportunity to reshape the standings, putting a premium on consistency and clutch performances as the pressure builds.

Bisera has shown she can win in contrasting fashion.

She opened her title run with a nerve-wracking three-way playoff victory at Lakewood before dominating Pradera Verde with a seven-shot triumph.

Those results, along with three other strong finishes, including a runner-up effort at Summit Point, have given Bisera the upper hand in the Order of Merit race.

But the Davaoeña knows that a strong finish, not past accomplishments, will ultimately determine whether she can convert her season-long consistency into a maiden Order of Merit title.

The Mindanao swing, which concludes at South Pacific and Apo over the next two weeks, gives Bisera an opportunity to consolidate her lead while testing her ability to sustain her form under mounting pressure.

Beyond the leading pair, several proven winners are eager to make their presence felt after campaigns marked by flashes of brilliance but inconsistent results.

Princess Superal and Tiffany Lee are among those looking to revive their title bids.

Both have the credentials to challenge the field, but uneven performances have kept them from producing the podium finishes their talent suggests.

A change of venue and the distinct demands of Pueblo de Oro could provide the spark they need to turn their seasons around.

The Cagayan de Oro layout offers a compelling test with natural ravines, rolling hills and five interconnected lakes shaping a course that rewards precision, sound course management and adaptability.

Panoramic views of the Bukidnon mountains add to the venue’s appeal, while occasional glimpses of Macajalar Bay from the back nine provide a striking backdrop to the competition.

Hosting an LPGT event for the first time in several years, Pueblo de Oro brings a different character to the Tour’s closing stretch.

The venue hosted two Junior PGT events this year, including the North vs. South Finals, and its management has maintained the course in top condition throughout the year.

The championship also gives a formidable group of contenders another opportunity to salvage their campaigns, build momentum and make a late push for honors.

Reigning Order of Merit champion Sarah Ababa heads the list of players seeking redemption, alongside multi-titled Chihiro Ikeda and Daniella Uy.

They will be joined by Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Apple Fudolin, Velinda Castil, Kayla Nocum, Marvi Monsalve, Rev Alcantara, Eunhua Nam, Monica Mandario, Eva Miñoza and Angela Mangana.

Four of the country’s leading amateurs will also test themselves against the professionals.

Ace Superal and Isabella Tabanas will be joined by Junior PGT standouts Rafella Batican and Precious Zaragosa.

Club invitee Eleana Dumalaog will also get the chance to measure her game against the country’s top campaigners.