Big guns sizzle early

CAVINTI, Laguna — In what could signal a compelling clash between seasoned campaigners and rising stars, veteran Angelo Que and young gun Carl Corpus fired identical six-under 66s to forge ahead of a stellar field after 18 holes of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here Tuesday.

They stood two shots clear of a tight chasing pack composed of Jay Bayron, Jerson Balasabas, Kristoffer Arevalo, Justin Quiban, Russell Bautista and Fidel Concepcion, who all turned in 68s at the Arnold Palmer-designed layout under calm but scorching conditions.

A mixed group of veterans and young talents likewise emerged at joint ninth with 69s, including Josh Jorge, Jeffren Lumbo, Rupert Zaragosa and Jhonnel Ababa, further underscoring the depth of competition in the P2.5-million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Also carding 70s to stay in the early mix were Keanu Jahns, Nilo Salahog, Dino Villanueva, amateur Jet Hernandez and Korean Ji Sung Sheon, making for a tightly bunched leaderboard heading into the second round.

But it was Que and Corpus who stood tallest in the first round, showcasing contrasting styles shaped by experience and youth but driven by a common goal: To dominate.

Que, a three-time Asian Tour champion, displayed the class and control that made him one of the most decorated players in Philippine golf.

The 46-year-old launched his round with a fiery backside start, highlighted by precise wedge play and solid putting, knocking down six birdies against two bogeys.

“My start was really good. I hit precise wedge shots, and the putts were mostly inside eight feet,” said Que, who ruled the early part of the season with back-to-back wins at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge, and a runner-up finish at Forest Hills.

Though he cooled off a bit on the front nine with two more birdies and a stretch of steady pars, Que was satisfied with his performance.

“I didn’t actually struggle (at the front) but just couldn’t hit it close. But all in all, I’m happy with a 6-under. I didn’t come in with a target number. I just wanted to see how things would go,” he said.

“I’m hitting it well, feeling healthy, and mentally, I’m ready,” he added.

“I’m confident, but we’ll see. Things can still change.”

Despite acknowledging the younger generation’s edge in power and technology, Que continues to refine his craft and compete with fierce focus.

Corpus, meanwhile, took a different path to the top. The 23-year-old rookie, still fresh from a breakthrough victory on the Asian Development Tour in Morocco last June, rebounded from an early bogey on No. 10 with a sensational rally.

He birdied three of his last four holes at the back before holing out an eagle on the par-4 second from 78 yards using a 58-degree wedge — the shot of the day.

“I knew I hit a good one. I thought it would be close, then I lost my ball. It doesn’t happen often so it was a really good feeling,” said Corpus, who rode the momentum to three more birdies before stumbling with a closing bogey on No. 9.

Still, his six-under sent a strong message that his win abroad wasn’t work of a chance and that he’s more than ready to contend for his maiden Philippine Golf Tour title.

“The highlight of my game was definitely my putting,” Corpus said.

“I didn’t sink any long ones, but I made a lot of 15- to 18-footers. That’s huge.”

The rookie admitted to early frustrations but credited a mental reset for his recovery.

“I kind of got mad at myself during the round,” he said.

“But then I asked: Why are you upset? You’re here to enjoy this. That shift in mindset helped turn things around.”

Corpus said he’s sticking to his game plan heading into the next three rounds.