BUKIDNON – Familiarity with the tight, tree-lined fairways of Del Monte Golf Club may offer some edge, but Clyde Mondilla and Reymon Jaraula know it will take far more than local knowledge to dominate the ICTSI Del Monte Championship once again.
The homegrown aces finished 1-2 the last time the Philippine Golf Tour visited this mountain-top layout in 2023. Yet, heading into the P3.5 million event, which fires off on Tuesday, both are tempering expectations.
“Comfortable ako sa home course ko kasi madalas ko siyang nilalaro, pero hindi ko siya binabale-wala,” said Mondilla, who delivered a thrilling comeback two years ago with a pair of eagles on Day 1 and three closing birdies in the final round to edge Jaraula by one.
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Now gunning to defend his crown, the former Philippine Open champion knows that course knowledge is only part of the equation.
“Iba pa rin ang bawat round. May mga bago kang matututunan,” he added. “Kaya lagi kong sinusubukan na mag-focus, laruin lang ang game ko, at i-respeto ang course.”
While Mondilla takes a methodical approach, Jaraula enters with quiet confidence, eager to flip the script.
“Confident ako kasi familiar na ako sa course and hopefully, magagamit ko ‘yung advantage ko,” said the three-time PGT winner, whose local roots remain a strong motivational anchor.
Both are eager to put on a show at home, especially after contrasting finishes in the previous PGT leg at Marapara – Mondilla rallying late to tie for second and Jaraula settling for a share of 18th.
But even with their intimate knowledge of Del Monte, the field is anything but predictable.
Veteran Frankie Miñoza, a living legend and Del Monte icon, returns to action after a long layoff. Though well-versed in every inch of the course, he too understands that success now hinges as much on form and mental fortitude as it does on familiarity.
Also challenging the homegrown talents are Keanu Jahns, who has strung together an impressive PGT run – winning twice and placing runner-up twice in six starts, and Rupert Zaragosa, fresh off a dominant win at Marapara, who sees similarities in Del Monte’s setup.
“Same as always, take it one shot at a time and stick to my routine,” said Jahns. “Del Monte’s tighter layout may favor accuracy more than length, so I’ll adapt accordingly during the practice round.”
For his part, Zaraagoza said: “Kasi mahilig ako at bagay ang laro ko sa mga course na tree-lined, To win again, I need to stay committed to my process, trust my instincts and the results will follow.”
Also expected ro be in the mix are veteran campaigners Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Guido van der Valk, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Ira Alido and Nilo Salahog.
The final two legs of the series offer P10.5 million in prizes.
Young guns Ryan Monsalve, Russell Bautista, Kristoffer Arevalo, Elee Bisera and John Michael Uy are also looking to make a breakthrough.
The overseas challengers include American Collin Wheeler, Koreans Jisung Cheon, Tae Soo Kim, Jaehyun Jung, Taewon Ha and Japanese standout Atsushi Ueda.
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