HARMIE Constantino showcased her exceptional ability to thrive under pressure, delivering another sensational comeback to secure the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship crown on Thursday.
Just three weeks after her remarkable recovery from a five-shot deficit at Palos Verdes in Davao, Constantino displayed her prowess once more, overturning a three-stroke deficit to claim victory by two strokes with a final round 69, totaling 214 and earning P114,000 in prize money.
Reflecting on her consecutive come-from-behind victories, Constantino said, “It just happened. There’s no particular approach to it. Ideally, I’d like to lead in every round, but the key is just to stay in the moment and play my best.”
Pauline, Princess falter
Pauline del Rosario, last year's victor over Seoyun Kim by one stroke, carded her worst card in three days, a 74, dropping her to second place at 216, earning P80,000.
Superal, after consecutive 71s, faltered with a 75, tying for third at 217 with 2022 champion Chanelle Avaricio, who surged with a 71. They split the combined P122,000 in prizes.
Constantino's triumph was particularly remarkable as it came against one of the strongest fields assembled by the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour in years, which included past Order of Merit champions.
Starting the final round three strokes behind del Rosario and Superal, Constantino demonstrated patience and strategic play, steadily narrowing the gap on the leading players.
The pivotal moment arrived midway through the windy final round. As del Rosario and Superal struggled in the final flight, Constantino hit a birdie on No. 11 and tied for the lead after her rivals both bogeyed the following hole.
Harmie closes with back-to-back birdies
Despite a brief challenge from del Rosario down the stretch, Constantino's sensational birdie-birdie finish, highlighted by a crucial 24-foot putt on the 17th and a fortuitous approach shot on the last, sealed her victory.
Describing her approach on No. 17, Constantino humbly remarked, “I didn’t hit a solid second shot. I didn’t think it would reach the green either. But it did, so that gave me a good opportunity for birdie although it was pretty far, some 3 pins at the back of the flag. I just tried to hit it close but thank God it dropped.”
Constantino modestly attributed her second shot on No. 18 to luck, yet it also showcased her skill and determination, setting up a birdie chance that effectively secured her win.
“I just try to keep my shots in play and aim for the fairway,” she explained, highlighting her strategic approach to the game.
This victory adds another accolade to Constantino’s burgeoning career, marking her eighth win in just four years.
“I cherish all my wins equally,” she emphasized, reflecting her humble perspective on her growing list of achievements.
Sarah Ababa, the Apo leg winner, finished fifth with a 70 for a total of 218, while Mikha Fortuna secured sixth place at 220 after carding a 74. Kim closed out with a 75, tying Daniella Uy (76) and Mafy Singson (77) at seventh place with a total score of 225.
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