Fierce duels loom in PGT, LPGT Del Monte

MANILA, Philippines — 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 today, both are tempering expectations with a blend of caution, confidence and competitive hunger.

“Comfortable ako sa home course ko kasi madalas ko siyang nilalaro, pero hindi ko siya binabalewala,” 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.

Now gunning to defend his crown, the former Philippine Open champion knows that course knowledge is only part of the equation.

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.

Meanwhile, Florence Bisera is right at the heart of a competitive field composed of proven champions and fierce challengers in the ladies side.

The rising Davaoeña star has quickly emerged as a formidable force, snatching the LPGT Negros Occidental crown from Korean standout Kim Seoyun before clinching an overseas breakthrough win in Thailand last month.

Those back-to-back triumphs have boosted her confidence and sharpened her focus heading into this 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.