Miñoza, Singson hang tough, forge final battle

STA. ROSA, Laguna — Martina Miñoza and Mafy Singson stormed into the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational final after pulling off tense victories over rivals who refused to yield until the pressure-packed finish at TCC here on Thursday.

Both matches went down to late-hole heroics, underscoring the razor-thin margins and volatility that define elite match play. Miñoza clawed back for a gritty 2&1 decision over Harmie Constantino, while Singson edged Daniella Uy with a clutch birdie on the 17th to secure a 1-up triumph.

The day demanded power, precision and mental toughness with both finalists weathering momentum swings and unrelenting pressure to forge an all-South championship for the P280,000 top purse in the P1.5-million season finale of the 2025 Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Among the two wins, Miñoza’s was the more stunning. Down two holes after eight amid nerves and miscues that ambush players in match play duels, the Del Monte native appeared in danger of unraveling against the more seasoned Constantino.

But Miñoza, carrying a surname steeped in Philippine golf history, rediscovered her composure. She took the ninth, then capitalized again on the 11th to square the match and dramatically shift momentum.

What followed was a tense, three-hole standoff before Miñoza finally grabbed control by winning No. 15. After halving the next, she delivered her biggest shot of the day on the tricky par-3 17th to close out a 2&1 victory.

“I honestly didn’t expect to win, but I believed in my preparation and stayed confident,” said Miñoza, niece of legend Frankie Miñoza.

“Even when I was two down, I kept focusing, trusted my swing and never gave up.”

She credited her father and caddie, Ben, for crucial reads and emotional steadiness on the greens, saying his guidance helped her stay calm and focused.

Miñoza, 24, called her Finals appearance the biggest achievement of her three-year pro career, noting she had briefly paused competitive golf to focus on her studies before returning this year, with her best finish a third place at home in Del Monte.

“Definitely, yes. This is my biggest win so far. Considering the level of competition and how hard I had to work for it, it feels like my most meaningful,” Miñoza said.

Constantino was left to ponder what slipped away — a 2-up cushion after seven holes that seemed to pave her path back to form after a winless season. The former Order of Merit winner had produced stretches of brilliance, but Miñoza’s refusal to fold under pressure ultimately rewrote the script.

“I attribute this victory to disciplined practice and the steadfast support of my family — most notably my father, uncle Frankie and aunt Eva — whose guidance and encouragement have enabled me to continue pursuing the sport,” Miñoza said.