LIPA, Batangas – Julia Lua of La Salle-1 picked up right where she left off while College of St. Benilde-1’s Sean Granada recovered from a last-hole miscue to edge La Salle-1’s Zachary Castro in sudden death as they delivered contrasting victories in the Finals of the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour, capping a landmark week for collegiate golf on Thursday at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club.
While Lua coasted to a four-stroke victory over CSB-1’s Natasha Bantug despite a 96 for a 181, Granada squandered a three-shot lead with three holes to play but regained his composure when it mattered most, clinching the crown with a routine par on the first playoff hole at the par-4 18th.
READ Granada leads Benilde to double victory in Intercollegiate Tour
Granada, who dominated the Splendido Taal leg under stormy conditions, had earlier three-putted the final hole to finish with a 73, enabling Castro, who drilled in a 12-foot birdie putt for a 71, to force a playoff at 146.
In sudden death, Castro – the Pradera Verde leg winner – hit an errant drive and reached the green in four. He then missed a four-foot bogey putt before picking up Granada’s marker, conceding the match.
Granada, who had putted for birdie from the same spot in regulation, rolled his putt to within a foot of the cup to seal the win.
La Salle-2’s Arvin Ong also rallied with a 73 to claim the bronze at 151, edging out UP-1’s Miggy Roque and La Salle-1’s Miguel Fusilero, who faltered with rounds of 75 and 76, respectively, in the countback.
While she remains focused on her collegiate career, Lua hasn’t ruled out a professional future. “There are no plans to turn pro just yet, but the doors aren’t closed,” she said.
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