FORMER Philippine Open champion Gerald Rosales fired a closing four-under 68 to clinch top honors in the 2017 Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Tagaytay.
Juvic Pagunsan, a former Asian Tour top money earner, also earned his PGT card with a superb final-round 69 that capped his recovery from a disastrous opening 82.
The shotmaker from Bacolod finished sixth to earn playing rights in the ninth season of the circuit starting next month at Anvaya Cove in Bataan.
Pagunsan, has made Japan his base the last few years, but went through PGT Q-School to be able to play on the local circuit whenever he is around and on a break from the Japan PGA Tour.
He last won here two years ago, dominating the Asian Development Tour field to win the Aboitiz Invitational at Manila Southwoods.
Rosales, who missed the top 40 with a 48th place finish in the 2016 PGT Order of Merit, had earlier rounds of 73-72072 for a 72-hole aggregate of three-under 285, nine shots ahead of Nilo Salahog, who assembled a 294 after a 74.
Ira Alido, one of the country’s top amateurs, joins the pros with a strong third place at 295 despite a closing 77.
Omar Dungca rallied with a 73 to end up fourth at 296, while Keanu Jahns turned in a 75 for fifth at 298.
Efren Robles Jr. shot a 76 for a 299 to tie Pagunsan.
Others who gained tour cards were R-James Dadizon, Nelson Huerva, Jet Mathay, Jelbert Gamolo, Robert Pactolerin, Chris delos Santos, Allan Remata, Jama Reyes, Ebarra Quiachon, John Kier Abdon, Henry Bolano, Artemio Murakami, Rudy Cabalar, Johvanie Ababa, Edward Reyes, Dino Villanueva, Ricar Candinato, Peter Villaber, Rodrigo Cuello, Jets Sajulga and Richard Abaring,
The qualifying tournament for foreign players starts on Tuesday.