Que reaches Summit Point
‘Maybe it’s just the way I look at things. I’m just grateful that I’m still playing and I’m still healthy. I can still keep up with the young ones.’
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‘Maybe it’s just the way I look at things. I’m just grateful that I’m still playing and I’m still healthy. I can still keep up with the young ones.’
LIPA CITY, Batangas — Angelo Que turned a crowded fight for the lead into a showcase of experience and composure Wednesday, firing a blistering 66 to seize a commanding four-stroke lead at the halfway mark of the ICTSI Summit Point Championship.
At 47, the reigning Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion continues to play with the hunger of a much younger contender. On a day that demanded patience, precision and nerve, Que delivered all three — then pulled away when the opportunity came.
Starting on the back nine, Que broke from the pack with three straight birdies at the turn, taking solo control before leaning on a string of gutsy pars to protect his advantage. His second consecutive six-under card put him at 12-under 132, giving him a sizable cushion heading into the final 36 holes.
It also strengthened his bid for a second PGT victory of the season after he outdueled Tony Lascuña in a thrilling finish at Caliraya Springs.
“Winning is a motivation for me, especially at this age. If you can keep winning, then that’s a good sign,” Que said.
His formula has remained remarkably simple: stay patient, plan ahead and avoid forcing the game.
“Maybe it’s just the way I look at things. I’m just grateful that I’m still playing and I’m still healthy. I can still keep up with the young ones. So, I think that’s — there’s no secret really. It’s just planning lang siguro, planning way ahead. Not forcing anything.”
Que’s advantage was built on the same steady ball-striking that has carried him through the season, with one crucial difference — the putter finally cooperated.
“Driving-wise, it’s just the same. I hit a lot of fairways. I hit more greens today, though, and basically, it’s almost the same, except that I just hit more greens,” he said.
He birdied the first hole with a tap-in, drained a 25-footer on the next and converted from four feet after a superb bunker shot.
“I think I’ve been hitting it good for the past few months. It’s just that I wasn’t holing many putts. Yesterday and today, I’ve been doing that, which is the biggest difference,” Que said. “If I start holing putts, I will start playing well. If I don’t, then it’s fine. I’m hitting it good naman, eh. So, I’m not really worried.”
The P2.5-million championship has produced a scoring feast under favorable conditions, but the wet and damp Summit Point layout has continued to test the field.
Carl Corpus emerged as Que’s closest pursuer, matching the leader’s 66 for a 136 total. The 25-year-old rallied from a birdie-bogey start on the back nine with a spectacular frontside 29, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 No. 3 and birdies on Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7.
Seeking his second PGT title after breaking through at Valley Golf last year, Corpus is also using the event as preparation for his second Asian Games appearance in Aichi-Nagoya later this month.
Aidric Chan and veteran Reymon Jaraula shared third at 137, with Chan carding 69 and Jaraula firing a 67.
First-round leader Justin Quiban, who opened with a scorching 65, struggled after a costly double bogey on No. 1 and settled for 72, dropping into a tie for third at seven-under.
Keanu Jahns was sixth at 138 after a bogey-free 67, while amateur Miguel Ilas stayed in contention at 139 after a gutsy 69. Sean Ramos was at 140 following a 69.
With Que holding a four-shot cushion, the question now is whether the veteran can maintain his grip over the final 36 holes — or whether the chasing pack can summon another scoring surge.
