Show of force

CAVINTI, Laguna — University of the Philippines’ Addie Manhit seized every scoring opportunity under near-ideal but still testing conditions at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club on Saturday, running away with a commanding eight-stroke victory over teammate Katrisse Datoc despite a 90 in Round 2 of the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament here.

Manhit, who placed second behind La Salle’s Julia Lua in Round 1 at Royal Northwoods last month, showed superb course management and composure as she tackled the daunting Arnold Palmer-designed layout, known for its undulating fairways, lightning-fast greens and unforgiving hazards lurking at every corner.

Though the winds were relatively mild, the Lakeside course — fresh off hosting a pro event — still proved unforgiving, with even soft gusts swirling through the Caliraya hills turning seemingly simple holes into delicate exercises in shot control and accuracy.

Despite the tricky breeze, Manhit leaned on her instincts and played with strategic restraint. Her ability to minimize errors on a layout that routinely punished miscalculations helped her outclass the field and seal her maiden win of the season.

She also anchored UP’s team victory alongside Datoc, who carded a 98. Their combined 188 secured the team title in the second leg of this course-hopping series, co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation.

La Salle’s Janine Yusay struggled to adjust to the gusty conditions and posted a 101 to finish third. The Taft-based squad was further weakened by the absence of ace Julia Lua, who won the tournament’s pre-launch event at Sherwood Hills and ruled Round 1 at Royal Northwoods.

Lua, however, was forced to sit out Round 2 due to dengue but confirmed her return for Round 3, which is set for Monday at the wind-exposed fairways of Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga, where both the men’s and women’s competitions will resume.

College of Saint Benilde’s Natasha Bantug turned in a 102 for fourth place, followed by La Salle’s Stacey Chan (104), Margarita Bautista (108), and UP’s Alyanna Yatco (109). Rounding out the field were Maddie Valderrama (112), Kristyanna Herrera (113), and Michelle Cuenca (115).

In the team competition, La Salle-1 finished second with a 205 in the three-to-count, two-to-play format, followed by La Salle-3 at 220.

UP’s dominant showing thus set the stage for a pivotal battle at Pradera Verde, as the race tightens in both individual and team divisions.

The four-round tour is a developmental series designed to discover emerging talent, boost school pride, and offer a pathway toward the pro ranks. Open to college teams and individual entrants from various leagues and regions, the series fosters inclusive competition and growth.

Round 4 of the men’s tournament is slated for 17 August at Beverly Hills Golf Club in Pampanga, while the women will close out their four-round series on Aug. 24 at the demanding Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.

The season-ending finals, a three-day event, will be held from 23 to 25 September at the exacting Splendido Taal Golf Club.