BUKIDNON – Michael Bibat, seeking redemption after a stretch of underwhelming finishes, delivered a blistering 65 to grab the first-round lead at the ICTSI Del Monte Championship on Tuesday, upstaging a fast-starting Elee Bisera and a record-breaking Taewon Ha at the Del Monte Golf Club.
Bibat, who has been largely off the radar since his last win at Eagle Ridge in 2022, finally showcased the form that once made him an Asian Games bronze medalist. His bogey-free round in hot and humid conditions at this mountain-top course marked a potential turning point in his career resurgence.
“I didn’t expect to shoot this low, pero naging maingat lang kaya walang bogey,” said Bibat, who strung together a flawless 31-34 round that showcased his precision off the tee, sharp iron play and superb putting.
Bibat tempers expectations
“The goal was to lessen the mistakes – hit the fairways and greens – then be aggressive with the putter,” he said. “I gave myself so many chances to make birdies.”
Despite emerging as the early frontrunner, Bibat was quick to keep expectations in check.
“Just don’t get ahead of myself in the next three rounds,” he said, knowing full well that consistency will be key to turning his strong start into a long-awaited championship finish in this P3.5 million event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Bisera nearly matched Bibat’s brilliance, birdieing three of his last five holes to post an impressive 66 and briefly tie for the lead – until Bibat's final-hole birdie pushed him ahead.
Meanwhile, Ha threatened to steal the show with a jaw-dropping 29 at the back where he teed off, setting a new tournament record. His run featured five birdies and an eagle, eclipsing the previous benchmark 31 set by Clyde Mondilla during his first-round 64 en route to winning the 2023 edition.
However, Ha couldn’t sustain the momentum, bogeying Nos. 3 and 5 on the front nine to settle for a 67, good for a share of third with Ryan Monsalve and compatriot Chon Koo Kang.
“I had a feeling I would play well because I hit my best score just recently,” said the 22-year-old Incheon native, referring to a scorching nine-under round in a practice session at Pradera Verde, where he regularly trains. “Today, my putting was better than usual – that’s why I shot a 29 on the back nine.”
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