Jobim Carlos gears up for first Singapore Open stint

MANILA, Philippines — Jobim Carlos hopes to make full use of his “special pass” in the rich Singapore Open, seeking no less than a strong showing against an elite international field in his return to the Asian Tour as topnotcher of the 2018 Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit.

Carlos topped the local OOM derby with two victories and a number of top five finishes, clinching one of the nine slots allotted for the leading players from top selected tours and golf associations in the region.

“Hopefully I can bring my momentum to a higher level (Asian Tour),” said the 26-year-old Carlos, gearing up against a high-profile roster that includes titleholder Sergio Garcia from Spain, Ryder Cup veteran Paul Casey from England and hall of famer Davis Love III from the US in the $1 million event set Jan. 17-21 at Sentosa Golf Club.

Top players from the Asian and Japan Tours firm up the stellar cast, which also draws regular top Filipino campaigners Juvic Pagunsan, Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena.

Carlos, together with rookie pro Lloyd Go, barely made it to the Top 35 plus ties cut in the recent Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage to earn playing rights for the 2019 circuit with 2017 PGT OOM winner Clyde Mondilla also gaining a full card status with a 16th place finish.