ILOILO. – Kurt Flores produced a remarkable comeback in a day filled with dominant title runs, overcoming an eight-stroke deficit to beat Isaac Locsin and claim the boys’ 10-12 crown by four with a 94 in the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Iloilo Visayas Series at the Iloilo Golf Club here Tuesday.
Despite the daunting deficit, Flores methodically worked his way back into contention, ultimately seizing control with a frontside 46 as Locsin stumbled with a 57. However, a shaky start on the back nine allowed Locsin to close the gap to just one stroke with six holes remaining, setting the stage for a thrilling stretch-run duel that tested both players’ nerve and poise.
Flores, a local talent, withstood Locsin’s determined fightback, banking on a crucial three-shot swing on the par-3 13th with a scrambling par against Locsin’s triple-bogey, leading to a four-stroke victory on a 193 total in the most fiercely contested title disputed over 36 holes in hot, humid conditions.
Locsin, from Bacolod, finished with 106 for 197, while Luigi Alvarez placed third with 232 after a 114 in the first of three tournaments in the Visayas swing of the nationwide series sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Manila-based Cailey Gonzales achieved a wire-to-wire triumph in the girls’ 10-12 category, assembling an impressive 149 after a five-over 75 to overwhelm Kelsey Bernardino and Zuri Bagaloyos, who matched 166s after 79 and 85, respectively.
In the 8-9 class, Cebuana’s Eliana Mendoza showcased a commanding performance in the girls’ division, recording a sterling 71 to finish with 153, far ahead of ana Marie Aguilar, who scored 119 for a total of 240.
