STA. ROSA, Laguna – Clyde Mondilla delivered a resilient performance on Wednesday, battling through a tough start to card a second-round 73 and wrest a two-stroke lead at The Country Club Invitational.
His gutsy output brought him to a one-under 143 despite a rocky front nine in challenging conditions at the TCC course.
Mondilla, who had started the day in third place after a 70, found himself at two-over through 11 holes. However, he managed to recover with a crucial birdie on the 15th hole, steadying his game to avoid falling behind.
READ Lloyd Go, Dino Villanueva share Day One lead at TCC Invitational
In the end of the punishing day, he was able to par the final holes, preserving his lead.
“I’m glad I was able to recover, especially since I wasn’t hitting it very well,” said Mondilla after a trying day in the P6 million championship put up by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.
The added length of the course and the swirling winds made birdie opportunities even rarer, particularly on the back nine. Despite the challenges, Mondilla opened a two-stroke advantage over the surging Reymon Jaraula and Jay Bayron, erstwhile co-leader LJ Go and Aidric Chan.
Jaraula and Bayron both posted rounds of 71, the best of the day Chan and Go struggled, with the former’s inconsistency leading to a 74 and the latter’s three straight bogeys from No. 15 resulting in a 76.
Despite his tough finish, Go remained tied for second at 145, alongside, Chan, Jaraula and Bayron.
"On this course, it’s not really over even on the final three holes," said Mondilla. "The course can turn on you at any time."
Guido van der Valk, a two-time winner here, battled back with a three-birdie run from No. 13, but a closing bogey kept him at 72 for the day, placing him in solo sixth at 147.
Meanwhile, Keanu Jahns, the Forest Hills champion, carded a second straight 74, tying him with Kakeru Ozeki, who posted a 72, and Nilo Salahog, who struggled with a 75 at 148.
Gwon Minwook, after an impressive first-round 71, faltered with a 78, slipping to joint 10th at 149, while three-time TCC Invitational champion Angelo Que had a tough finish, bogeying three of the last four holes to card a 78, putting him at 151 and in joint 11th.
He shares the position with Albin Engino (74) and Jhonnel Ababa, who carded a 77, marked by a double bogey on the par-3 16th.
Lascuña struggles
Defending champion Tony Lascuña, also struggling with a double bogey on the par-3 No. 17, finished with a 75, settling at 152 in joint 14th with first-round co-leader Dino Villanueva, who shot himself in the foot with an 83,
Fidel Concepcion, who posted a gutsy 72, Lakewood leg winner Sean Ramos, who fought back with a 75, Hyun Ho Rho, who put in a second 76.
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