Bibat bucks stormy weather to seize ICTSI Negros lead

BACOLOD – Michael Bibat showcased his resilience and adaptability, battling through relentless rain and unpredictable conditions to claim the first-round lead at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic with a four-under 66 for a two-stroke lead over four others at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here on Tuesday.

The tournament’s opening round was played in challenging conditions due to tropical depression Kristine, turning the event into a true test of patience and mental toughness. Torrential rain early on and persistent drizzle throughout the day left the course soaked and muddy, forcing players to make significant adjustments in both their club selections and approach shots.

Bibat rose to the occasion, managing the front nine with three birdies and a lone bogey to lay a strong foundation. He remained steady on the increasingly difficult back nine, adding birdies on Nos. 10 and 13 while many others struggled to handle the slick, muddy fairways and tough pin placements.

“Medyo swerte din, because it’s not easy to play under these conditions — rain, wind and difficult pin positions,” said Bibat, whose last victory came in 2022 at Eagle Ridge. “It (score) could’ve been lower, but I’ll take it.”

He credited his success to his patience, focusing on ball position rather than aggressive play, a strategy crucial under such severe weather.

Trailing Bibat by two strokes are last week's Bacolod Challenge winner Reymon Jaraula, seasoned veteran Angelo Que, rising star Rupert Zaragosa, and unheralded Francis Morilla, all of whom shot 68s.

Lakewood leg titlist Sean Ramos and Russell Bautista followed closely with 69s, while Tony Lascuña, who topped the Splendido Taal leg in harsh weather conditions, Hyun Ho Rho, Gerald Rosales and Randy Garalde carded even-par 70s, keeping the leaderboard crowded in the early stages of the P2.5 million championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

Jaraula, aiming for back-to-back wins, managed a composed 2-under on the front nine before encountering challenges in the last nine holes.

“I just played relaxed and took my time — hindi ko na pinansin kung maulan o hindi. Sanay na din kami sa ganitong weather conditions,” said Jaraula, who rebounded with two birdies in the last five holes after bogeying Nos. 11 and 13.

Que, a veteran of harsh weather conditions from his experience on the Japan Golf Tour, emphasized the importance of focus and patience on a course that played a lot longer than its 6,424 yardage.

“We’ve faced worse conditions in Japan,” said Que, who secured his first Japan Tour title at the 2018 Top Cup Tokai Classic. “It’s all about staying focused and adjusting your game to the circumstances.”

Despite limited practice, Zaragosa leaned heavily on his caddie for guidance throughout the round. 

“My caddie was a huge help, especially since I wasn’t able to practice, but he guided me through,” said Zaragosa, also stressing the importance of staying patient on the course.

Zaragosa, fresh off recovering from a minor injury that caused him to withdraw from last week's Bacolod Challenge, had a shaky start, recording a double bogey on the third hole but rebounded impressively with an eagle-2 on the ninth. However, a costly mistake on the final hole denied him a chance to secure solo second place.

Morilla, who barely missed solo second place after a bogey on the par-5 18th, reflected on the tough course but remained optimistic about the days ahead.

“Sobrang hirap ng course, pero maganda ang palo. Except for my mishit off the tee on No. 18, it was all good,” said Morilla, who placed 42nd in Bacolod. “I’ll just try to play steady in the next three days.”

Despite the challenging weather, Bibat, a former Asian Games bronze medalist, remained unfazed. He noted that his experience in similar conditions gave him an edge over the competition.

"I played in worse conditions, so medyo lamang din ang may experience sa ganitong weather," said Bibat, reflecting on how the rain and wind required players to make 1 1/2 club adjustments on every shot.

Further down the leaderboard, several notable players posted impressive rounds. Eric Gallardo, Forest Hills leg winner Keanu Jahns, Francis Mendez, Joeleo Torrecampo, American Collin Wheeler, and amateur Bobe Salahog all shot 71s, while Iloilo champion Zanieboy Gialon, Ramil Bisera, Ryan Monsalve, Godofredo Sinfuego, and top amateur Zeus Sara registered 72s, ensuring the tournament remains competitive going into the second round.

The wet, slippery conditions are likely to continue testing the players' patience and adaptability, making every stroke critical as the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.-organized events heads to the crucial second round Wednesday with the top 40 and ties advancing to the final two rounds.