CAGAYAN DE ORO – Russell Bautista weathered the sweltering heat, shifting winds and a talent-laden field to wrest solo control with a five-under 67 after Monday’s opening round of the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship.
The 26-year-old Bukidnon native, now based in Cebu, delivered the defining shot of the day on the par-4 eighth, where his 60-degree wedge from 90 yards took one bounce on the green before rolling into the cup for eagle.
The highlight capped a three-under closing burst over his last five holes, highlighted by birdies on Nos. 5 and 7, and lifted him clear of a leaderboard that had been in constant flux under sweltering conditions.
“Maganda ang drive, may mga na-missed na fairways pero nakaka-save-par kasi okay ang bakal at putting,” said Bautista, who admitted he was surprised to find himself atop a star-studded field after a round that demanded precision, sound decision-making and a steady touch around the greens.
Bautista seeks to atone
His 67 was all the more encouraging after a difficult run this season, when he managed no better than a top-10 finish in the first seven legs of the circuit. Bautista is also seeking redemption after a painful near-miss at South Pacific last year, where he battled Jeffren Lumbo through a dramatic five-hole playoff before settling for the best finish of his three-year professional career.
“Medyo nag-struggle,” Bautista said of his recent form, but Monday’s performance offered a timely boost as he pursues a breakthrough victory.
Lumbo, meanwhile, mounted a timely charge of his own, birdying the difficult 18th to card a 68 and tie Clyde Mondilla for second, just one stroke behind Bautista. Mondilla had a chance to draw level with the leader but dropped a shot on No. 8.
Coming off back-to-back runner-up finishes in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, Lumbo continued his pursuit of a long-awaited second career victory with four birdies against two bogeys at the front. He added birdies on Nos. 12 and 15 before recovering from a bogey on No. 17 with his closing-hole birdie.
“Maganda ang, lalo na sa wedge at putting, kaya naka-four-under,” said Lumbo, who credited his short game for keeping him in contention.
Jelbert Gamolo, one of the day’s early pacesetters, joined Keanu Jahns, Rupert Zaragosa and Reymon Jaraula in a tie for fourth at 69.
Japanese Miki Ryoma, pro-am winner Zanieboy Gialon and 14-year-old amateur Ralph Batican matched 70s to likewise put themselves in contention in the P2.5 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
A protégé of golf legend Frankie Miñoza, Batican more than held his own from the back tees, using powerful drives of around 280 yards to produce three birdies against one bogey. Playing on a course he considers home, the rising Bukidnon talent said he had expected to break par because of his confidence in his game.
Batican also led the low-amateur race with a 70, ahead of Jed Dy, who carded 74, and Vito Sarines and local standout Jacob Rolida, who shot identical 75s.
Miñoza, making a rare PGT appearance, struggled to a 78.
The difficulty of the test was reflected in the scoring, with only 11 players breaking par, including Marvin Dumandan (71), and three others matching regulation figures.
Dino Villanueva, who aced the 213-yard sixth and birdied No. 17, offset those gains with a bogey and a double bogey to settle for 72, joining Elee Bisera and Korean Kim Tae Soo in a tie for 12th.
Several of the Tour’s leading names also found the course unforgiving. Tony Lascuña, reigning Order of Merit champion Angelo Que and Guido van der Valk all carded 74s at joint 19th, while Iloilo leg winner Jhonnel Ababa slipped to 75 after an early share of the lead, undone by three bogeys and a double bogey against a birdie over his last 11 holes.
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