Abaño tops Golf Tour Q-School

MANILA, Philippines - Amateur Banny Abaño outplayed Del Monte teammate Clyde Mondilla and Jomar Pepito in the early going and went on to card a one-over 73 and run away with top honors in the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying tournament at Tat Filipinas Golf Club in Laguna late Friday.

Three up on Mondilla at the start of the final round, Abaño knocked down three birdies against two bogeys in the first nine holes then watched his rivals flounder with over par scores to clinch the victory in the 54-hole elims that staked 20 spots for this year’s ICTSI-PGT circuit.

Abaño, who opened with a 73 then took control with a 70 Thursday, pooled an even 216, beating Pepito, Mondilla and veteran campaigner Danny delos Santos by eight shots. Delos Santos matched par 72 while Pepito and Mondilla wound up with 77 and 78, respectively, for 224s.

Dino Villanueva, the other player who made it to the final stage of the Q-School conducted by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., which organizes the ICTSI-PGT, skied to an 80 and ended up with a 228.

The five, along with 16 others who made it to the Top 20 after 36 holes, are expected to join the pro tour starting March 26 at Splendido in Tagaytay.

Abaño’s victory also augured well for Del Monte’s bid in the PAL Interclub where he and Mondilla will spearhead the team’s title-retention drive in Davao.

The other qualifiers were Paul Miñoza, Dan Cruz, Enrico Opinion, Solomon Gines, Eddie Bagtas, amateur Art Arbole, Jett Plete, John Bernard Salvador, Belem Arancon, Edwin Estrera, John Rey Pactolerin, Lino Retuerto, Hanson So Jr., amateur Lawrence Celestino, Demetrio Sanchez and Angelo Anzuris.