Mondilla claims breakthru win

CANLUBANG, Philippines – It didn’t take young pro Clyde Mondilla long to redeem himself on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour.

Two weeks afterr blowing what could have been a breakthrough victory with a careless move, the 20-year-old Mondilla quickly made amends and romped off with his maiden title in the ICTSI Canlubang Invitational at the Cangolf’s North course here yesterday.

Mondilla closed out with a three-under par 69 for a 13-under 275 total, parrying the challenge of more experienced rivals Arnold Villacencio, Cassius Casas, Marvin Dumandan and Dante Becierra and winning by four strokes in the P1.5 million event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

“Masaya, first time ko manalo (I’m happy to win my first title in the pros),” said Mondilla, the 2010 Phl amateur champion who joined the winners’ circle in his third year in the pros.

The former jungolf ace from Del Monte was determined to go for a win after coming close in the preceding leg of the ICTSI PGT at Summit Point. Mondilla incurred a two-stroke penalty for having his caddie hold the umbrella for him, which ultimately cost him the crown, won by Villacencio via playoff over Miguel Tabuena.

He wound up joint third with Anthony Fernando.

“Grabe iyun, hindi ako nakatulog dahil dun. Pero naisip ko rin na mali ako talaga. Nagising ako at di na magiging pabaya uli. Ngayon nakabawi na (That was heartbreaking; it gave me some sleepless nights. But come to think of it, it was my fault. I’ve learned my lesson and now I’m more careful and aware of the rules),” said Mondilla.

Unlike last year when he succumbed to pressure and bowed to the veteran Casas on the second playoff hole, Mondilla steeled himself up this time and fended off his rivals with a solid start and a gutsy finish to clinch the victory.

“May nerbyos din kasi sila Casas at Villacencio, champion sila. Kailangan di ako talaga mawala sa focus (I felt the pressure because Casas and Villacencio are both veterans and champions. But I did my best to stay focused),” said Mondilla.

Getting back at two previous conquerors (Villacencio at Summit and Casas last year) made it even sweeter.